World Cup 2026: L'�quipe TV host suspended after calling Jérémy Doku's childbirth plan 'disgusting'

French sports channel L'Équipe has suspended presenter France Pierron following her controversial comments about Belgium winger Jérémy Doku's intention to leave the World Cup for the birth of his first child.

The controversy erupted on Friday during the programme "L'Équipe de Choc". Reacting to Doku's plan to potentially return home in early July to be with his wife Shireen, Pierron launched into an extraordinary rant.

"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," she said on air.

"There are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place. This is a unique moment, the fulfilment of a childhood dream. And you are going to throw it all away just to be at the childbirth?" she added.

Following the broadcast, social media was flooded with criticism, with many condemning Pierron's comments as outdated and insensitive. The backlash prompted the journalist to issue a public apology on Saturday.

"I was expressing a personal opinion within the context of a contentious exchange," she wrote on X. "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 minimise the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child."

Despite the apology, the channel's management decided to take action. On Sunday, L'Équipe issued a statement distancing itself from the remarks and apologising to Doku.

"L'Équipe distances itself from these statements, which absolutely do not correspond to the values of the group," the statement read. The broadcaster then confirmed Pierron's suspension from her presenting duties.

The controversy has drawn support for Doku from various quarters. England forward Ollie Watkins expressed his backing for the Belgian winger's decision.

"He said it only happens once, your first child. Welcoming them to the world is a blessing," Watkins said. "Someone labelled 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."

Meanwhile, Belgium's campaign has been further complicated by Doku's absence from their goalless draw with Iran on Sunday due to a chest infection.

Doku, 24, had previously made his intentions clear ahead of the tournament, stating that while he was aware of his professional responsibilities, he wanted to be present for the birth of his first child.

Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.

Read Full Story