French sports daily L’Équipe has declared that it disavows the recent remarks of one of its presenters who criticised Belgian winger Jeremy Doku for considering a World Cup exit to attend the birth of his first child.
France Pierron, a presenter on the television program The Shock Team, ignited backlash on Friday after calling childbirth “a disgusting moment, excuse me, where the dad is useless”.
She later questioned Doku’s dedication, asserting that “hundreds of footballers would kill for a chance like this” and implying that “a childhood dream may not present itself again.”
The 24‑year‑old Manchester City midfielder and Belgian key player had said he intended to be present for his son’s birth in early July, a timing that overlaps with the World Cup knockout stage. Doku added, “No one wants to miss a birth.”
Pierron criticised Doku’s plan to leave the World Cup for the birth of his child (Getty)
His stance attracted support from England forward Ollie Watkins, who spoke about the family decisions confronting athletes at a press conference.
Watkins said, “It occurs only once — your first child’s arrival. Welcoming a new life into the world is a blessing.”
He responded, “Someone called it disgusting, but labeling a birth as such is inappropriate, and it is none of anyone’s concern what he chooses to do after training.”
L’Équipe issued a statement on Sunday evening, apologising to Doku and emphasizing that Pierron’s remarks “do not reflect its values.”
It remains unclear whether Pierron will appear on Monday’s scheduled broadcast of the talk show on the cable channel.
Doku missed Belgium’s 0‑0 draw with Iran on Sunday because of illness, leaving the European side with work to do to secure a knockout‑stage spot.
Belgium also settled for a 1‑1 draw with Egypt in their opening match and now have two points from their first two games.
Heading into their final group encounter against New Zealand on Friday night, Belgium are expected to need at least a point to advance to the round of 32.
Having failed to progress beyond the group stage in 2022, Belgium now face a real risk of missing the knockout rounds again after Sunday’s outcome.