Doku and the birth of his child: France Pierron apologizes after controversy

Journalist France Pierron apologized on Saturday on Instagram, the day after comments made on the L’Équipe de choc set that quickly ignited social media in France and Belgium.

On Friday, commenting on Jeremy Doku’s desire to leave the United States during the 2026 World Cup to attend his wife’s childbirth, Pierron had said: “When you have the chance to participate in a World Cup, there are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place… And you’re going to leave all that to attend the birth of your child, which is a disgusting moment, excuse me, where the dad is useless, he has a bit-part role.”

The reaction was swift. The very next day, the journalist attempted to defuse the controversy: “I expressed a personal opinion there, as part of a debate. These comments are mine alone and in no way reflect a collective position. I understand they may have shocked, hurt or upset some of you, and I am sorry,” she wrote, clarifying that her “intention was never to minimize the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child.”

The controversy quickly crossed the Franco-Belgian border. Genk goalkeeper Hendrik Van Crombrugge publicly defended the Belgium winger. “It is surprising to criticize someone for choosing to live one of the most significant moments of his private life. Perhaps the real problem does not lie with Jeremy Doku, but in the idea that sport would be more important than family,” he wrote, adding that “the birth of his child is not an optional appointment that can be postponed.”

The affair illustrates a recurring tension in top-level football between the demands of major competitions and players’ personal lives. Doku, one of the key elements of the Belgian squad, has not yet spoken publicly on the subject.