World Cup kicks off with empty seat for French journalist detained in Algeria
Summary
FIFA gave World Cup access to French journalist Christophe Gleizes, who is jailed in Algeria, to show support. FIFA President Gianni Infantino left an empty seat for Gleizes at a news conference and hopes for his release during the tournament.Key Facts
- Christophe Gleizes is a French sports reporter jailed in Algeria with a seven-year sentence.
- He was convicted for contacting members of a group Algeria calls a terrorist organization.
- FIFA gave him accreditation to cover the World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino kept an empty seat for Gleizes as a symbol of support.
- Gleizes’ family asked the Algerian president for clemency and a possible pardon.
- Algeria often issues pardons on national holidays, including Independence Day on July 5.
- Gleizes withdrew his Supreme Court appeal to speed up a potential pardon.
- Reporters Without Borders praised FIFA’s move as a stand for media freedom.
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