France Pierron suspended after criticism of Jeremy Doku's World Cup decision
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 7:49 AM
Last updated Jun 22, 2026
France Pierron has been suspended from her role at La Chaîne L’Équipe following backlash over her comments regarding Jeremy Doku's choice to attend the birth of his first child. Pierron criticized Doku's decision during a debate, raising concerns about prioritizing fatherhood over participation in the World Cup. Her remarks, deemed inappropriate, specifically stated that Doku's presence at his child's birth was of lesser importance. Doku's wife is due in early July, which could coincide with Belgium's World Cup matches. Despite the controversy, Doku maintains that he intends to be present for the birth, while the Belgian federation respects players' personal circumstances. Reports suggest arrangements could be made for his return if necessary.
- •France Pierron suspended after criticizing Jeremy Doku's priorities.
- •Doku intends to attend his child's birth despite World Cup commitments.
- •Comments sparked significant public backlash and prompted an apology.
- •Doku's wife is due in early July, potentially overlapping with matches.
- •Belgium's federation acknowledges players' family situations.
- 9:43 AMYahoo Sports — French TV disavows female presenter's barb at Belgium's Doku over leaving World Cup for childbirth
- 7:49 AMYahoo Sports — What France Pierron said about Jeremy Doku as she is suspended from World Cup coverage
"French sports media leader L’Équipe has disavowed comments by a female presenter who criticized Belgium winger Jeremy Doku for wanting to leave the World Cup to be at the birth of his first child. L’Équipe also apologized to Doku in a statement late Sunday and said the comments by France Pierron did not represent its values. Pierron described childbirth as “a disgusting moment, excuse me, where the dad is useless” when taking part in the television show “L’Équipe de Choc” on Friday.
"France Pierron’s criticism of Jeremy Doku’s plan to attend the birth of his first child has now cost her airtime during World Cup coverage. The French presenter’s comments turned an already sensitive football debate into a full public backlash.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 22, 2026, 9:43 AMFrench TV disavows female presenter's barb at Belgium's Doku over leaving World Cup for childbirth
French sports media leader L’Équipe has disavowed comments by a female presenter who criticized Belgium winger Jeremy Doku for wanting to leave the World Cup to be at the birth of his first child. L’Équipe also apologized to Doku in a statement late Sunday and said the comments by France Pierron did not represent its values. Pierron described childbirth as “a disgusting moment, excuse me, where the dad is useless” when taking part in the television show “L’Équipe de Choc” on Friday.
- Yahoo SportsJun 22, 2026, 7:49 AMWhat France Pierron said about Jeremy Doku as she is suspended from World Cup coverage
France Pierron’s criticism of Jeremy Doku’s plan to attend the birth of his first child has now cost her airtime during World Cup coverage. The French presenter’s comments turned an already sensitive football debate into a full public backlash.
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