The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has granted press accreditation for the 2026 World Cup to Christophe Gleizes, a French sports journalist detained in Algeria. The announcement was made by Reporters Without Borders, which sees it as a positive development. "a strong show of support" from the world football governing body. According to Reporters Without Borders, this accreditation officially allows Christophe Gleizes to cover the tournament for So Foot, organized from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Christophe Gleizes arrested during a report on JS Kabylie
As a reminder, Christophe Gleizes was arrested on May 28, 2024, in Tizi Ouzou, Algeria, while reporting on Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie (JSK). Following his arrest, the French journalist was initially placed under judicial supervision. He was then imprisoned in June 2025 after being sentenced to seven years in prison for... "apology for terrorism" et "Possession of publications for propaganda purposes that are detrimental to the national interest"According to Reporters Without Borders, the Tizi Ouzou Court of Appeal upheld this sentence on December 3, 2025. Reporters Without Borders, which disputes the accusations against Christophe Gleizes, continues to call for his immediate release. The journalist collaborated with, among others... So Foot et Societyand was working on African football at the time of his arrest.
Christophe Gleizes' parents appeal to Abdelmadjid Tebboune for clemency
Sylvie Godard and Francis Godard, the parents of Christophe Gleizes, have once again expressed their concern. "As the most important international football competition is about to begin, our son Christophe remains imprisoned," they lamented in a statement released by Reporters Without Borders. Sylvie and Francis Godard also shared their distress at his prolonged detention. "This never-ending situation is deeply upsetting," they added, while expressing their "gratitude." At FIFA, they renewed their request for "clemency" from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, asking him to grant a pardon to their son. "We are convinced that his release is in everyone's interest."they said.
A visit to the detention center and growing isolation
Sylvie Godard and Francis Godard visited Christophe Gleizes in detention last week, according to reports by Agence France-Presse and picked up by several media outlets. "Christophe was doing well and is being well cared for, but feels increasingly isolated from the outside world."Sylvie Godard stated. This FIFA accreditation comes as the legal proceedings appear to be over. Christophe Gleizes' lawyers indicated on June 3, 2026, that the conclusion of the proceedings could pave the way for a possible presidential pardon.
Gianni Infantino hopes for a presidential pardon
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also addressed the case of Christophe Gleizes in Mexico City on the eve of the start of the 2026 World Cup. "There is one empty seat, that of the French journalist Christophe Gleizes, who is the only imprisoned sports journalist in the world."Gianni Infantino said, according to The TeamThe leader added that he hoped that"in a great act of humanity"A presidential pardon allows the French journalist to join the competition.
Community
Comments
Comments are open, but protected against spam. Initial posts and comments containing links undergo manual review.
Be the first to comment on this article.