French pundit apologises after backlash over Doku World Cup birth comments

France Pierron, a journalist and presenter on French show L’Equipe de Choc, has issued a partial apology after facing fierce backlash for arguing that Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku should not leave the World Cup to be present at the birth of his first child. Doku had stated before the tournament that he would leave Belgium’s squad when the moment arrived.

During a debate segment on the programme, Pierron questioned Doku’s priorities in blunt terms. “You can’t miss a World Cup,” she said. “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The comments drew an immediate and widespread response on social media, with many criticising the remarks as outdated. Pierron subsequently posted a statement on X walking back her position — though only partially. “I understand that they may have shocked, hurt, or wounded some of you, and I am sorry for that,” she wrote. “My intention has never been to minimize the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child.”

She had also continued her argument on air, suggesting Doku’s presence at the birth would leave him emotionally drained. “The midwife doesn’t know how to do it? Meanwhile, you’re going to waste 10 hours, you’re going to get exhausted, you’re going to have an emotional meltdown, you’re going to be completely deflated by your World Cup.”

Former boxer Brahim Asloum, also appearing on the show, pushed back directly. “A baby is your whole life,” Asloum said. “You can win a World Cup or miss it, but once it’s over, it’s over.” Pierron responded: “But Brahim, your baby will always be there.”

Doku himself had been clear about his intentions before the tournament began. “It depends on when it happens, but it’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there,” the winger said. “If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child.”