French presenter slammed over criticism of Jeremy Doku's World Cup exit

A French television presenter has apologised after backlash over comments she made about Belgium winger Jeremy Doku’s plan to leave the World Cup to attend the birth of his first child.

Doku, who missed Belgium’s clash against Iran on Sunday due to a chest infection, recently said his wife, Shireen, is expected to give birth in the second week of July.

The timing could coincide with the World Cup quarter-finals if Belgium progress that far in the tournament.

The 24-year-old Manchester City forward told Reuters he intends to return home for the birth regardless of Belgium’s progress.

“It depends on when it happens, but it's my first child, so I would definitely want to be there,” Doku said. “If you ask me what I want, nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child. But I also know that football involves many other considerations.”

His remarks sparked debate, with Channel L’Equipe presenter France Pierron publicly disagreeing. She argued that a World Cup appearance is rare and should take priority.

“There are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your shoes. It might never happen again in your life,” Pierron posted on social media.

“You’re living out a childhood dream, yet you’re going to walk away from it all to attend the birth of your child, a disgusting moment, if you’ll pardon the expression, where the dad is completely useless.”

The comments drew widespread criticism online, prompting Pierron to issue a public apology.

In a statement on X, she said her remarks were made as part of a debate but acknowledged they had offended.

“I was expressing a personal opinion within the framework of a debate,” she wrote. “I understand that they may have shocked, hurt or wounded some of you, and I am sorry for that. My intention was never to minimise the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child.”

Meanwhile, the tournament has already seen one player become a father during competition.

Norway defender Leo Østigård recently welcomed the birth of his child while on international duty.

“I’m completely exhausted myself, it was absolutely amazing,” Østigård said in a video published by the Norwegian FA. “She did so well, there wasn’t much I could say, I just had to help her work and get him out. I’m proud, amazing.”