On June 24, 2026, a notable French TV host issued an apology following criticism of a soccer player’s decision to leave the World Cup for his child’s birth.
The controversy began when Jérémy Doku, a Belgium forward, announced his plans to fly to London to support his wife during the birth of their baby. France Pierron, a French commentator, criticized Doku’s choice, calling childbirth a “disgusting moment, excuse me, where the dad is useless.” This remark made during the TV show “L’Equipe de Choc” on Friday, sparked widespread backlash.
Pierron apologized on Tuesday, stating that the comments were her own and did not reflect any collective stance. She wrote on X, “I understand that they may have shocked, offended, or hurt some of you, and I am sorry for that.”
French sports daily L’Equipe, Pierron’s employer, distanced itself from the comments and apologized to Doku in a statement late Sunday, asserting that the remarks did not align with its values.
Doku reached London in time for his son Praise’s birth. He expressed gratitude on social media for the supportive messages he and his family received, stating, “Shireen and Praise are doing great, and my heart is full of gratitude. Welcoming my son into the world is one of the greatest blessings God has ever given me. Thank you to the team for the support, now it’s time to get back to football and represent my country on the biggest stage.”
Belgium captain Youri Tielemans showed support for Doku, emphasizing the importance of being present for childbirth. “I think having a child is the most beautiful thing in the world that you can have, and being there, it’s more than normal as a dad,” Tielemans remarked. “For myself, I have three and it’s memories you can’t take back. So, very happy for him.”
Doku, who had missed Belgium’s World Cup match against Iran due to respiratory illness, was cleared to travel to London for the childbirth. Belgium faces New Zealand on Friday at BC Place, in a crucial match that could determine the team’s advancement to the knockout round. So far, Belgium has drawn in its first two matches.
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