Empty seat at tournament for imprisoned French sports journalist
Summary
A seat is being left empty at every France game during the 2026 World Cup to draw attention to Christophe Gleizes, a French sports journalist imprisoned in Algeria. Gleizes was sentenced to seven years in prison for supporting terrorism, and French journalists are calling for his release.Key Facts
- Christophe Gleizes is a French sports journalist who covers African football.
- He was sentenced in 2025 to seven years in prison in Algeria for supporting terrorism.
- During the 2026 World Cup, a seat is left empty in the press box and at France's news conferences to highlight his case.
- French journalists’ unions have asked Algeria to release him.
- Gleizes’ accreditation for the World Cup was personally approved by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
- Gleizes’ mother, Sylvie, is attending the World Cup to raise awareness about her son’s situation.
- France’s team coach Didier Deschamps expressed hope that Gleizes can attend the tournament in person soon.
- Journalists showed support by holding scarves saying "Free Gleizes" before France’s news conference.
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