"A Global Disaster": The shocking eviction of an Italian journalist hours before the World Cup 2026 final

19.07.26 AET World Cup

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Just hours before the World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, FIFA abruptly revoked the press credentials of a prominent Italian sports journalist.

The drama began when the renowned Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport published a fiercely critical editorial about the organization of the tournament. The publication labeled the event a complete global disaster.

Their extensive critique highlighted the brutal summer heat, extreme commercialization and mind boggling ticket prices ranging from $10000 to an astronomical $2.3 million for luxury suites.

The Italian outlet also pointed to heavy political interference, explicitly citing the controversial decision to overturn the suspension of forward Folarin Balogun as clear evidence of underlying favoritism.

A sudden eviction

According to his official account on X, reporter Filippo Ricci discovered that his previously approved access was stripped away on the very morning of the championship match. Out of the 5 press passes originally granted to the publication, 3 were suddenly canceled.

Ricci expressed his sheer disbelief online noting that his exhausting 38 day journey, which included covering 11 live fixtures and writing 165 articles, ended without warning.

Despite already securing a seat, mixed zone clearance and parking passes, FIFA informed him that the revocation was simply due to a shortage of available media seating.

Meanwhile, other outlets had all their requests fully honored. Unsurprisingly, Italian sports circles are heavily hinting that this was direct retaliation for the newspaper's harsh critiques.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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