Sports journalists from World Cup semi-final countries call for Christophe Gleizes' release

The Sports Journalists’ Association of Great Britain joins with its counterpart organisations from France, Spain and Argentina, alongside the Football Writers’ Association, AIPS and AIPS Europe to issue a call for the release of French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes, imprisoned in Algeria…

By The SJA

*Christophe Gleizes is a French sports journalist who has been imprisoned in Algeria for over a year. A campaign to free him has been active at the FIFA World Cup.*

Right before the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, the sports journalists’ associations of England, Argentina, Spain and France are sending a message of support to French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes, a contributor to the French magazine So Foot.

The associations — the UJSF, the AEPD, the FAPED, the SJA and the FWA — are calling for the release of their colleague, who has been detained in Algeria since June 2025. AIPS and AIPS Europe naturally join this appeal.

As their respective national teams prepare to face one another in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals in the United States, the Union des Journalistes Sportifs Français (UJSF), the Asociación Española de la Prensa Deportiva (AEPD), the Federación Argentina de Periodistas Deportivos (FAPED), the Sports Journalists’ Association (SJA) and the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) of Great Britain have joined forces to issue a message of solidarity with their fellow journalist.

About Christophe Gleizes

Imprisoned since 29 June 2025, Christophe, a contributor to the French magazines So Foot and Society, has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment simply for doing his job as a journalist.

A French sports journalist, Christophe should be with us covering this World Cup, reporting on the players’ achievements, sharing the emotions of football, and freely practising his profession.

Instead, his seat in the press box remains empty.

At a time when football brings people together and embodies the universal values of freedom, respect and solidarity, we refuse to accept that a journalist should be imprisoned for his work.

On the occasion of the semi-finals, our thoughts are with Christophe.

We hope that he will soon be reunited with his family, his fellow journalists and the football pitches, where he should be today.

Once again, we call for his release and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to press freedom everywhere in the world.

UJSF, AEPD, FAPED, SJA, FWA, with the support of AIPS and AIPS Europe

Further reading…

French journalist Gleizes marks one year in Algerian prison as RSF renews appeal (RFI, 29 June 2026)

One year behind bars: journalist Christophe Gleizes still hopes for presidential pardon (RSF)

RSF mobilises international support for Christophe Gleizes at France team press conference in the US (RSF)

Empty seat at World Cup for imprisoned French sports journalist (BBC Sport, 15 June 2026)

Sign the petition: We call for the immediate release of French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes.

Christophe Gleizes: a hardworking reporter who does not belong in jail