Empty seat at World Cup for imprisoned French sports journalist (opens original article in a new tab)

An empty seat is being left at France's World Cup games to draw attention to imprisoned French journalist Christophe Gleizes, who was sentenced for terrorism support in 2025.

• A seat is left empty at every France game at the World Cup to highlight Christophe Gleizes' imprisonment in Algeria.
• Gleizes was sentenced to seven years for supporting terrorism in 2025.
• French journalists' unions and Gleizes' mother have called for his release during the World Cup.