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Rabat – French television presenter France Pierron has reportedly been suspended from on-air duties following widespread backlash over controversial comments she made about Belgium international Jeremy Doku during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The controversy began after Doku revealed he could temporarily leave Belgium’s World Cup camp to attend the birth of his first child. The Manchester City winger explained that while he understands the importance of the tournament, he also does not want to miss a major personal moment.
“No one wants to miss the birth of their first child,” Doku said while discussing the possibility earlier this week.
‘Hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place’
Pierron, speaking during the French program L’Équipe de Choc, strongly criticized the idea, sparking immediate outrage online.
“You can’t miss a World Cup,” she said during the debate. “There are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place.”
Her comments drew even more criticism after she described fathers as “useless” during childbirth, with clips from the show quickly spreading across social media platforms.
As backlash intensified, Pierron issued a public apology on X, formerly twitter.
“I was expressing a personal opinion, within the framework of a debate. 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 minimise the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child.”
L’Équipe released an official statement distancing itself from Pierron’s remarks.
“On Friday, June 19, during a debate on the show ‘L’Équipe de Choc,’ France Pierron made remarks that shocked many viewers of the L’Équipe channel,” the statement read.
“The team disassociates itself from these remarks which are very far removed from the Group’s values and apologizes to the footballer concerned and more generally to its fans.”
The incident has sparked wider debate online surrounding footballers balancing family life with international duty during major tournaments.
