As the 2026 FIFA World Cup – set to take place in one month in the United States, Canada, and Mexico – will bring together the entire world, including Algeria, Sylvie and Francis Godard, alongside RSF and So Press, have called for broader mobilization from the sports community to secure the release of their son, Christophe Gleizes.

“Christophe has decided to withdraw his appeal to the Court of Cassation. It is a very strong, symbolic act. There are no longer any legal obstacles that could stand in the way of a pardon; our son is placing himself entirely in the hands of President Tebboune’s clemency. Our son is innocent; he has no place behind bars.

“Support for Christophe Gleizes is steadily growing, and RSF would like to thank all those who, in France and Algeria, in the football world, in circles of power, in the news media, and elsewhere, are working toward the journalist’s release. This wave of solidarity amplifies the campaign every day and sustains his family and loved ones. As the anniversary of his detention approaches, and with the World Cup starting in a month, RSF stands ready, if necessary, to take the campaign international.

“Christophe is not an enemy of Algeria, but a football enthusiast—particularly about African football. Our mobilisation for his release is not political; it is part of the defense of civil liberties. If players choose to get involved, it would be from a humanitarian standpoint, in support of a sports journalist some of them know personally. I also call on President Tebboune to help ensure that Christophe can return to his family.

Arrested on 28 May 2024, Christophe Gleizes was sentenced in June 2025 to seven years in prison for “glorifying terrorism” and “possessing publications for propaganda purposes harmful to national interests”—charges that are entirely unfounded. This sentence was upheld on appeal in December 2025 by the Tizi Ouzou court.

On World Press Freedom Day, Sunday 3 May, several Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs expressed their support for Christophe Gleizes, including RC Lens, which hosted a friendly match against FC Rouen on Saturday 11 April in his honor. This movement culminated in a powerful moment in Paris, where his family kicked off the match between Paris FC and Stade brestois, two years after his arrest.

Timeline of Christophe Gleizes’ case and the  campaign for his release

28 May 2024: Christophe Gleizes is arrested in Tizi Ouzou (Algeria) while covering a story on the JS Kabylie (JSK) football club. He is placed under a judicial control order.

29 June 2025: Christophe Gleizes is sentenced to seven years in prison for “glorifying terrorism” and “possessing publications for propaganda purposes harmful to national interests”.

30 June 2025: RSF launches a petition calling for Christophe Gleizes' release. To date, it has gathered more than 20,000 signatures.

16 July 2025: Around 100 public figures announce their support for the call for Christophe Gleizes’ release.

24 July 2025: During the Tour de France cycling competition, a giant banner calling for Christophe Gleizes' release is unfurled -– an action coordinated by RSF. The aim is to turn one of the most high-profile sporting events of the year into a platform for press freedom.

August 2025: A giant banner in support of journalist Christophe Gleizes is unfurled on the front of the town hall in Agen, the town where he was born. The call for Christophe's release was also shared at the Avignon, Rock en Seine, and Couthures-sur-Garonne festivals, which included speeches by members of his support committee and RSF.

29 September 2025: To mark three months of the journalists' detention in Algeria, sixteen French journalism schools join forces to call for his release. RSF welcomed this initiative and renewed its call for his freedom.

20 November 2025: Nine Ligue 1 football clubs mobilise for the release of Christophe Gleizes, who is being held in Algeria.

29 November 2025: Nearly 30 prominent figures join forces to call for his release.

3 December 2025: Christophe Gleizes' appeal trial takes place at the Tizi Ouzou Court of Appeal, which upholds his seven-year prison sentence. RSF demands his release.

18 December 2025: A giant picture of Christophe on the facade of the FFF headquarters in Paris is revealed. On 19, 20 and 21 December , messages of support were broadcast during the round of 32 of the French Cup. These include a video message from Christophe Gleizes' mother, Sylvie Godard, addressed to her son, which is shown in the 7th minute of the Paris Saint-Germain – Fontenay-le-Comte match. This is a symbolic moment, as the number seven refers to the seven-year prison sentence inflicted on the journalist.

January 29, 2026: A special support evening is organized at the Bataclan to mark seven months of Christophe Gleizes’s detention. Bringing together more than 1,000 spectators and hosted by journalist Ambre Godillon, the event features committed artists who chose to perform free of charge: Alex Beaupain, Malik Djoudi, Jeanne Cherhal, Mathilda, Yuksek, as well as the band Elephanz.

February 27, 2026: French local authorities commit to the release of Christophe Gleizes. Several municipalities, departments, and regions join the mobilization, displaying banners, posters, and organizing public statements to emphasize the importance of press freedom and that Christophe Gleizes’s detention is a serious violation of the fundamental right to inform.

April 11, 2026: Special friendly match held in Christophe’s honor as part of the game between the French clubs RC Lens and FC Rouen.

May 3, 2026: On World Press Freedom Day, Christophe Gleizes’s family kicks off the match between the French clubs Paris FC and Stade Brestois during the 32nd matchday of the French Ligue 1 championship.