French TV presenter France Pierron has apologised after facing backlash for criticising Belgium and Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku for his intention to leave the World Cup to attend the birth of his first child. Pierron, speaking on the L'Équipe channel programme L'Équipe de choc, said she was 'outraged' that Doku would consider departing the tournament and claimed 'the father serves no purpose' during childbirth.
Doku's family plans
Doku's wife Shireen is due to give birth in the second week of July, which coincides with the World Cup quarter-finals. Belgium have a realistic chance of reaching that stage. The 24-year-old winger made clear his desire to be present for the birth, though a plan to fly from the USA to England and back had not been finalised. 'It depends on when it happens, but it's my first child, so I would definitely want to be there,' Doku told Reuters. 'If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child. But I also know that football involves many other considerations. I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We'll see what we can do.'
Pierron's controversial comments
Pierron's remarks on the show sparked immediate outrage. 'This outrages me,' she said. 'When you are lucky enough to appear at a World Cup, there are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place. It's a unique moment, a childhood dream come true. And you're going to walk away from that to be at the birth of your child? You can't miss a World Cup… And now, you're not going to the match to cut an umbilical cord? I'm sorry, the father serves no purpose. He is an extra. He just holds your hand and takes a photo. You're going to take a 10-hour flight, exhaust yourself, go through the wringer emotionally… how can you return to play after that? The baby will always be there.'
The backlash on social media was swift and fierce, prompting Pierron to issue a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday evening. Translated from French, she wrote: 'In light of the very numerous reactions following my comments in "L'Équipe de Choc" regarding Belgian footballer Jérémy Doku, I wish to provide a few clarifications. In it, I expressed a personal opinion, within the framework of a debate. These remarks commit only me and in no way reflect a collective position. I understand that they may have shocked, hurt, or wounded some of you, and I am sorry for that. My intention has never been to minimise the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child.'
Context and precedent
Players leaving major tournaments for childbirth is not unprecedented. Phil Foden briefly left the England camp during Euro 2024 for the birth of his child. Doku is one of several players at the 2026 World Cup facing a similar situation, including Belgium teammate Brandon Mechele, whose wife is due in late July. Belgium began their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Egypt and are set to face Iran in Los Angeles on Sunday night, though Doku will miss the match due to illness.
