Gianni Infantino calls for release of detained World Cup journalist

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFifa president Gianni Infantino has called for the release of a french sports journalist who has been detained in Africa over the last year.Christophe Gleizes, 37, received a seven-year prison sentence in 2025 on alleged terrorism charges. The conviction followed his contact with members of the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylie (MAK), a foreign-based group designated a terrorist organisation by Algiers.Speaking on the eve of the World Cup, Infantino paid tribute to Gleizes and revealed there was an empty chair at the press conference that was reserved for him.Infantino revealed that he has invited Gleizes' parents to the France vs Senegal Group I clash on June 16."There is an empty seat in this room," Infantino said. "I hope in a great act of humanity he will be given grace, presidential grace, and can even join us for the World Cup."In fullWorld Cup 2026 live: Gianni Infantino references detained journalist during launch press conferenceThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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