President of the French football federation [FFF], Philipe Diallo, has said the team are free to talk about Christophe Gleizes’ imprisonment.
Gleizes has been detained in Algeria for over a year after traveling to the country to investigate the mysterious death of Albert Ebossé.
The issue is a hot topic in French football, and Diallo has encouraged the players to speak out.
“I don’t want to speak on behalf of these players,” he said. “It’s up to them to speak or not to speak.
“When I do, in a way, I’m also doing it for them. Freedom of expression also includes the freedom not to speak.”
Players like Kylian Mbappe, who often discuss politics, are being criticised in France for not supporting Gleizes.
Diallo added: “French football, through its federation and its clubs, has mobilized and continues to mobilize for Christophe Gleize.
“When I speak out in support of Christophe Gleize, I am not doing so in my personal capacity. I am doing so as president. When I commit the federation, I commit everyone.
“French football is committed to the release of Christophe Gleize and, at this stage, given the difficulty of this case which is also being handled by the French government, extreme diplomacy is required to convince the Algerian government to show clemency towards this sports journalist.”
One person who has commented is France coach Didier Deschamps.
“I had the opportunity to meet his parents during the French Cup final,” Deschamps said.
“I hope for him and his family that he can be there as soon as possible to ask his questions himself.”
Leave a Reply