FIFA has withdrawn three of the five media passes allocated to Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the 2026 World Cup Final, forcing Italy’s most popular sports daily to slash its reporting contingent for the showpiece in New York. The world governing body attributed the late reduction to space constraints at the venue, though the newspaper suspects the decision reflects displeasure with its critical coverage of the tournament’s organisation.
The cut leaves the Milan-based publication with merely two correspondents to cover the culmination of the competition. Among those stripped of credentials is Filippo Maria Ricci, the outlet’s Spain correspondent, who had received initial confirmation of his seat in the media tribune along with mixed-zone and parking access, only to be informed hours later that his accreditation was cancelled.
Accusations of Retaliation
While FIFA maintains the reductions were necessitated by a shortage of available places, Gazzetta believes the move may constitute punishment for negative reporting on logistical issues during the finals. The suspicion has gained traction owing to the uneven application of restrictions across the Italian press corps.
Rival publications have retained their full allocations. Corriere della Sera continues to hold five accreditations, while La Repubblica maintains its initial complement of three. The disparity has fuelled questions about consistency in FIFA’s accreditation process.
Correspondent’s Reaction
Ricci, who filed 165 articles across 38 days of competition, announced the cancellation on social media. He described the withdrawal as an “abrupt and unexpected end” to his tournament duties and acknowledged experiencing a deep “sense of injustice,” though he conceded he could not prove alternative motives behind FIFA’s decision.
The episode highlights ongoing tensions between football’s global governing body and media outlets scrutinising operational aspects of the tournament. FIFA has not indicated whether it will review the decision or grant last-minute reinstatements before kick-off.