FIFA accused of “tyranny” after withdrawal
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
Three out of five accreditations withdrawn from the Gazzetta dello Sport for the 2026 World Cup final fuel suspicions of reprisals on the part of FIFA and reignite the debate on relations between organizers and the media.
Why it matters
The withdrawal of Gazzetta accreditations for the 2026 World Cup final raises major concerns about press freedom in sport. This move by FIFA could be seen as an attempt to muzzle critical media, which could have repercussions on media coverage of major sporting events. Additionally, it highlights ongoing tensions between event organizers and journalists, a crucial topic in the run-up to the World Cup.
Key points
- FIFA accused of “tyranny” after withdrawal.
- Three out of five accreditations withdrawn from the Gazzetta dello Sport for the 2026 World Cup final fuel suspicions of reprisals on the part of FIFA and reignite the debate on relations between organizers and the media.
- FIFA accused of ‘tyranny’ after revoking Gazzetta’s World Cup Final accreditations.
finance and management of the international federation.
The simultaneous withdrawal of the majority of accreditations initially granted to Gazzetta raises practical and symbolic questions. Operationally, accreditations issued for a World Final allow journalists to access media stands, mixed zones, press conferences and other essential spaces to conduct live reporting, interviews and analysis. Deprived of a significant part of its accreditations, a media outlet therefore sees its on-site coverage capacity greatly reduced.
On a political and ethical level, the affair rekindles the debate on press freedom and editorial independence during major sporting events. The accusations made against FIFA – according to which the organization wanted to penalize a critical media – thus return to the center of discussions on the governance of international competitions and on relations between organizers and journalists.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will be one of the biggest media events on the planet. Choices relating to accreditations are always carefully scrutinized, both by the editorial staff and by institutional stakeholders. In this context, a decision perceived as targeted against a major title like Gazzetta fuels concerns about the use of the power of accreditation as an instrument of pressure.
This case takes place in a landscape where the transparency of sporting bodies and respect for the principles of freedom of information are regularly mentioned. It should, in the short term, generate requests for clarification from the media concerned and observers. For supporters and readers, the incident poses a simple but essential question: how to guarantee independent journalistic coverage of major world football events?
Future developments — including possible official explanations and reactions from media outlets — will be closely monitored by the profession. In the meantime, the revocation of these accreditations remains a sensitive episode, which highlights the fragile balance between organizers and media a few months before a tournament which promises a massive global audience.
The rest
Media and observers expect a strong reaction from journalists' organizations and press freedom advocates. Gazzetta and other publications are likely to consider their options to challenge the decision, which could lead to a wider public debate about media rights during sporting competitions. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, this situation could also influence how accreditations are handled and perceived by other media.
Frequently asked questions
What happened with the Gazzetta for the 2026 World Cup final?
La Gazzetta dello Sport saw three of its five accreditations to cover the 2026 World Cup final revoked by FIFA.
Who confirmed the withdrawal of Gazzetta accreditations?
The withdrawal of accreditations was reported by observers and media, but FIFA has not officially commented on the decision.
Why did FIFA withdraw Gazzetta accreditations?
The retra
it of accreditations comes after the Gazzetta published articles critical of the governance and management of FIFA.
What changes does this mean for media coverage?
The withdrawal of accreditations significantly reduces the Gazzetta's ability to cover the event, limiting access to areas reserved for the media.
Why does this case raise questions about press freedom?
It relaunches the debate on editorial independence and the relations between the organizers of sporting events and the media, especially in the event of criticism.
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