Philippe Diallo defends the silence of the French national football team in the case of the journalist Christophe Gleizes detained in Algeria

Paris – 16.06.2026: Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), defended the silence of the French national football team in the case of the journalist Christophe Gleizes, detained in Algeria, emphasizing that the players are free to speak out or not on the matter. This statement came after Gleizes’ family, detained in Algeria since June 2025, had hoped for public support from famous players like Kylian Mbappé.

Christophe Gleizes, a French sports journalist, was arrested in Algeria in June 2025 and subsequently sentenced to seven years in prison for “glorification of terrorism” and “possession of publications for propaganda purposes against the national interest.” The charges are related to his investigations into the Algerian football team Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie (JSK).

Gleizes’ family, especially his mother and stepfather, have repeatedly asked for support and hoped that figures from French football would publicly take a stand. So far, however, there have been no public reactions from the national team players.

However, the FFF has expressed its solidarity with Gleizes. Already in December 2025, a large portrait of the journalist was placed on the facade of the federation’s main headquarters in Paris. Philippe Diallo stated on that occasion that the FFF is committed to Gleizes’ release, thus defending the fundamental values of democracy and particularly freedom of the press.

The situation for Gleizes has worsened. An appeal procedure in December 2025 resulted in an increase of his sentence to ten years imprisonment. Family members and supporters continue to hope for a diplomatic solution and a possible pardon from the Algerian authorities.

A strong sign of support came from FIFA, which symbolically granted Gleizes accreditation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This gesture was interpreted by organizations such as Reporters Without Borders as a clear sign of solidarity.

The Gleizes case remains a sensitive topic attracting attention both in the French football community and internationally. The question of the role of athletes in political and social debates thus returns to the center of discussion, while family members and supporters continue to hope for a positive outcome.

Thanks to the public commitment of the FFF and the symbolic support of FIFA, pressure on the Algerian authorities is maintained, while respecting the players’ freedom of decision. The case of Christophe Gleizes thus remains at the crossroads of sport, freedom of expression and international diplomacy.