French sports presenter France Pierron has apologized after sparking backlash for criticizing Belgian winger Jérémy Doku over his wish to leave the World Cup briefly to attend the birth of his first child.
The row erupted after Pierron, who fronts the French sports show L’Équipe de choc, said on air that Doku should not put family before the tournament and described a father’s role in the delivery room as “completely useless.” L’Équipe later apologized to Doku and said her comments did not reflect the outlet’s values.
Doku, 24, who plays for Manchester City, has said he does not want to miss the birth of his first child. His wife, Shireen, is due to give birth in early July, when Belgium hopes to still be in the knockout stages of the World Cup.
“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 shoes. It might never happen again in your life.”
Pierron then doubled down on her criticism, saying Doku was walking away from “a childhood dream” to attend the birth of his child.
“It’s truly a special moment, a childhood dream come true. 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.”
After the remarks triggered a strong backlash online, the 44-year-old presenter apologized and said the comments reflected only her own view.
“I was expressing a personal opinion as part of a debate. These remarks are mine alone and do not in any way reflect a collective position.
“I understand that they may have shocked, upset, or hurt some of you, and I am sorry.”
Before the birth of his son, whom he and his partner Shireen named Praise, Doku made clear that being present for the moment mattered deeply to him.
“If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child.”
Many fans on X defended the footballer and criticized Pierron’s comments.
“The worst things I’ve ever heard from a person…On this Father’s Day, I feel ashamed for you.
“The birth of my daughter was and will forever remain the most beautiful day of my life, to describe that moment in such a way is utterly sickening. Simply put.”
“It was by no means a personal opinion but an insult to all fathers!”
“Nothing can replace your family! Not even football.”