At the 2026 World Cup, French reporters are leaving an empty seat at every France game to spotlight the imprisonment of Christophe Gleizes in Algeria.
Gleizes, an So Foot journalist, was sentenced in 2025 to seven years for “supporting terrorism.” His mother Sylvie has travelled to the tournament, saying he feels “cut off” from the world.
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On Monday, journalists held “Free Gleizes” scarves before Didier Deschamps’ press conference in New Jersey. Gleizes’ accreditation, approved by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, was displayed on a vacant chair.
L’Equipe’s Vincent Duluc asked a question on Gleizes’ behalf, prompting Deschamps to reply: “I hope for his sake and his family’s that he can be here as soon as possible.”
