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.
Doku has been clear that, if the timing overlaps, fatherhood will come before Belgium’s campaign.
France Pierron suspended after Jeremy Doku World Cup birth comments
An Actu Foot post reported Pierron was suspended from La Chaîne L’Équipe after her comments on Doku and would not present L’Équipe de choc on Monday.
During the debate, Pierron said: “You have to realize that it’s truly a privilege to participate in a World Cup, it’s an incredible joy. There are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place; it might never happen again in your life. It’s truly a special moment, a childhood dream come true.”
She then asked: “And you’re going to leave all that to be present for the birth of your child?”
Pierron added: “I’m sorry, the father serves no purpose. He is an extra. He just holds your hand and takes a photo. You’re going to take a 10 hour flight, exhaust yourself, go through the wringer emotionally. How can you return to play after that? The baby will always be there.”
The remarks drew heavy criticism, and Pierron later apologized, saying she did not intend to minimize fathers.
Jeremy Doku stance remains firm as Belgium wait on fitness
Doku’s position came before the backlash.
His wife, Shireen, is due to give birth to their first child in the second week of July, a window that could overlap with the World Cup knockout rounds if Belgium advance.
The Manchester City winger has said nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child, while also acknowledging football brings other considerations. He added that the Belgian federation understands players’ personal situations.
Reports have suggested a private plane could be arranged if Doku needs to return to England. His exact departure date depends on both the baby’s timing and Belgium’s tournament path.
On the pitch, Doku played 86 minutes in Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Egypt, finishing without a goal or assist. He then missed the Iran match because of a respiratory illness, leaving his status uncertain before Belgium face New Zealand.
Pierron’s suspension shows how quickly a pundit’s hard-line football opinion can become a wider debate about fatherhood, privacy and what players should owe beyond the pitch.
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