FIFA issues World Cup accreditation to French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes, who has been detained in Algeria for more than a year. Multiple reports say the decision is meant to ensure Gleizes can be recognized in the tournament process despite his imprisonment. Ahead of the tournament, Gleizes is reportedly represented by an empty seat during FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s news conference, which outlets describe as a public sign of support. Infantino, speaking at the event, says he hopes Gleizes—the only sports journalist currently imprisoned worldwide, according to his remarks—will be released during the competition. RFI reports that press freedom campaigners view FIFA’s accreditation as a meaningful gesture of solidarity for a detained journalist. The outlets agree on the core details: Gleizes is detained in Algeria, FIFA grants him accreditation for the World Cup, and the matter is raised publicly through the empty seat at FIFA’s pre-tournament media event. The reports do not provide new information on the reasons for Gleizes’ detention or on any formal conditions or timelines tied to his release.