L'Équipe apologises after presenter calls Doku's childbirth wish 'useless' during World Cup row

French sports broadcaster L’Équipe issued a public apology to Jeremy Doku late on Sunday after presenter France Pierron sparked widespread outrage by dismissing the Manchester City winger’s wish to attend the birth of his first child during the World Cup.

Pierron made the remarks on the television show L’Équipe de Choc on Friday, describing childbirth as “a disgusting moment, excuse me, where the dad is useless” and questioning Doku’s commitment to Belgium’s World Cup campaign. “There are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place,” she said, adding that Doku was “living a childhood dream. It might never happen again in your life.”

The 24-year-old had previously stated his intention to be present for the birth of his son, expected in early July — a period that coincides with the World Cup knockout rounds. “No one wants to miss a birth,” Doku said.

L’Équipe’s statement, published Sunday evening, apologised directly to Doku and stated that Pierron’s comments “did not represent its values.” Whether Pierron would appear in Monday’s scheduled broadcast of the show remained unclear.

Doku’s position drew support from England forward Ollie Watkins, who addressed the issue at a news conference. “He said it only happens once, your first child. Welcoming them to the world is a blessing,” Watkins said. “Someone labeled it disgusting. And I think for a start that’s not a way to label a birth. I don’t think it’s anyone else’s business what he gets up to after training.”

The controversy surrounds a Belgium side already under pressure at the 2026 World Cup. Doku missed Sunday’s goalless draw with Iran through illness, a result that left Belgium with two points from two games after an opening 1-1 draw with Egypt. They face New Zealand in their final group match on Friday, likely needing at least a point to advance to the last 32. Belgium were eliminated in the group stage in 2022 and are at risk of a repeat exit.