For them, objectivity is worth three tickets: Alciato defends his friend Infantino and attacks the Gazetta.

A heated exchange has erupted between journalist Alessandro Alciato and his colleague Filippo Maria Ricci of Gazzetta dello Sport, following allegations that the FIFA revoked accreditation for three journalists during the final match of the World Cup between Spain and Argentina at the MetLife Stadium. The dispute centers around claims that the media outlet was unfairly treated by the governing body of international football, with accusations of bias and retaliation against critical reporting. Alciato, a well-known journalist previously associated with Sky and currently working as a freelance contributor for Amazon Prime, took to social media platform X to defend his friend Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA. He accused Gazzetta dello Sport of prioritizing objectivity over access, stating that the newspaper had initially secured five tickets for the final but later lost them after criticizing the FIFA leadership. “For them, objectivity is worth three tickets,” he wrote, suggesting that the paper’s stance toward the organization had shifted, leading to its exclusion from key coverage areas. Ricci, who serves as Gazzetta dello Sport's correspondent in Madrid, responded swiftly. He denied the accusations, asserting that the newspaper had obtained all necessary credentials, including access to the press area, parking, and multiple interviews, before they were suddenly withdrawn. “This is the biographer of Infantino and the FIFA spokesperson lying,” Ricci countered, questioning whether the decision to exclude three colleagues was intentional. He pointed out that the newspaper had been granted more than just tickets, including opportunities to conduct interviews and attend press conferences, which other outlets reportedly did not receive. The situation appears to have escalated further due to perceived inconsistencies in how the accreditation process unfolded. According to Ricci, Gazzetta dello Sport had originally received all five requested credentials, only for them to be abruptly rescinded later, citing limited availability of seats in the press section. This claim contradicts reports from other media outlets, which suggest that similar requests were fulfilled without issue. Additionally, Ricci highlighted a shift in tone within the newspaper regarding Infantino, noting that while the publication once supported him publicly, it now calls for his removal from power. This change in editorial direction has raised suspicions among readers and industry professionals that the FIFA might have retaliated against Gazzetta dello Sport for its recent criticisms of the tournament's organization. Reports indicate that Ricci himself has written several articles highlighting logistical problems and administrative shortcomings throughout the event, which some believe contributed to the decision to revoke accreditation. These concerns are compounded by earlier investigations into the World Cup's management, including issues such as security lapses and scheduling conflicts, which Il Fatto Quotidiano had previously exposed. Alciato, meanwhile, has been linked to Infantino through his role as co-author of the latter’s biography, titled Forward, The Revolution of Football: The First 10 Years of Gianni Infantino at FIFA. His close relationship with the FIFA leader has drawn attention, particularly given the timing of his recent interview with Infantino shortly before the tournament began. The interview, published in Rivista Undici, focused on topics such as expanding the number of teams in the World Cup and promoting greater democracy within the sport, a theme that seems to contrast sharply with the authoritarian tendencies observed in recent months, including the controversial handling of certain players' cases. As tensions continue to mount, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with neither party willing to concede. The outcome of this conflict will likely depend on further clarification from FIFA regarding the reasons behind the accreditation changes, as well as internal reviews conducted by Gazzetta dello Sport to assess whether there was indeed a pattern of unfair treatment. For now, the debate remains unresolved, with the broader implications for media freedom and journalistic integrity still under scrutiny.