France Pierron, a presenter for French sports media outlet L'Equipe, has been suspended following her controversial remarks about Manchester City and Belgium winger Jeremy Doku. The 24-year-old footballer had announced he might miss a potential World Cup quarter-final to attend the birth of his first child in July. Pierron, speaking on the show L'Equipe de Choc, called the decision 'disgraceful' and 'disgusting', sparking widespread outrage.
Pierron's Remarks and Immediate Backlash
During the broadcast, Pierron said: 'You can't miss a World Cup... And now, you're not going to the match to cut an umbilical cord? You have the chance to participate in a World Cup, and there are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place, but you're going to leave all that to go and witness the birth of your child, which is a disgusting moment, excuse me, where the father is useless, he has a role as an extra.'
The comments drew immediate criticism on social media. Many condemned her perspective as outdated and insensitive. According to French journalist Clement Garin, Pierron was removed from presenting duties for the Monday edition of L'Equipe de Choc. Garin reported that L'Equipe's editorial team denounced the management's 'hypocrisy', noting that management initially ordered not to delete the viral post but later changed its stance after backlash intensified.
Doku's Situation and Belgium's World Cup Campaign
Doku's wife Shireen is due to give birth during the second week of July, which coincides with the World Cup quarter-finals. Before the tournament, Doku confirmed his intention to be present for the birth, stating: 'It depends on when it happens, but it's my first child, so I would definitely want to be there. If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child.'
Belgium, managed by Rudi Garcia, currently sits second in Group G after a goalless draw with Iran on Sunday. Doku missed that match due to a chest infection. The team remains ahead of New Zealand and Egypt by a single point, with the group stage finale against New Zealand looming. Belgium's group opener ended in a 1-1 draw with Egypt, where an own-goal cancelled out Emam Ashour's opener.
Pierron's Apology and Aftermath
Following the backlash, Pierron issued a statement on social media, offering a lukewarm apology. 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. 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 minimize the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child.'
Despite the apology, the suspension remains in effect. The incident has reignited discussions about parental leave for male athletes and the cultural expectations surrounding fatherhood in professional sports.
