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BBC News1 min read
Empty seat at tournament for imprisoned French sports journalist
TL;DR
An empty seat is being left in the press box at France's World Cup games to draw attention to imprisoned journalist Christophe Gleizes, sentenced to seven years in Algeria for supporting terrorism. Journalists and his mother are advocating for his release.
Key points
- An empty seat symbolizes support for Christophe Gleizes
- Gleizes was sentenced to seven years in Algeria
- French journalists' unions demand his release
- His mother is present at the World Cup to raise awareness
- Journalists displayed scarves at a press conference
Mentioned in this story
Christophe GleizesSylvie GleizesSo FootAlgeria
World CupFrance
A seat is being left empty in the press box at every France game at the World Cup to highlight the case of a French sports journalist who is in prison in Algeria.
Christophe Gleizes was sentenced in 2025 for seven years for supporting terrorism.
French journalists' unions have called on Algeria to release Gleizes, who specialises in African football for the Paris-based So Foot magazine.
On Monday, journalists held up scarves saying 'Free Gleizes' before France boss Didier Deschamps' news conference at the New Jersey New York Stadium to preview Tuesday's game with Senegal (20:00 BST).
Gleizes' mother Sylvie has travelled to the World Cup to highlight her son's case.
She told BBC Sport on Monday that his accreditation for the tournament was personally approved by Fifa president Gianni Infantino.
She added that her son felt "cut off" from the world.
Image caption,
Christophe Gleizes's accreditation for the 2026 World Cup was on display at the France news conference
As well as a seat in the press box, a chair in each France news conference is being left empty to highlight his case.
Journalist Vincent Duluc, who works for French daily sports newspaper L'Equipe, asked a question to Deschamps on behalf of Gleizes about hydration breaks on Monday.
"I hope for his sake and his family's that he can be here as soon as possible and ask his questions himself," Deschamps replied.
Image caption,
Christophe Gleizes' mother, Sylvie, spoke to journalists outside the New Jersey New York Stadium on Monday
Q&A
Why is Christophe Gleizes imprisoned in Algeria?
Christophe Gleizes is imprisoned for seven years for supporting terrorism, a sentence he received in 2025.
What actions are being taken to support Christophe Gleizes at the World Cup?
Journalists are leaving an empty seat in the press box and displaying scarves that say 'Free Gleizes' during France's games.
Who is advocating for the release of Christophe Gleizes?
French journalists' unions and Gleizes' mother, Sylvie, are actively advocating for his release during the World Cup.
