French Presenter Sparks Outrage Over Doku Leaving World Cup for Childbirth
French journalist France Pierron sparked controversy on L'Équipe by criticizing Belgium's Jérémy Doku for planning to leave the 2026 World Cup to attend his wife's childbirth, calling fathers "useless" during birth. The backlash led to Pierron's apology on X after panelists and social media condemned her remarks. Doku started Belgium's 1-1 draw with Egypt; his child is due during the knockout stages. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between family and professional sports commitments.
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Klopp Defends Doku's Last-Minute Departure for Child's Birth
On July 2, 2026, German news outlet Die Welt reported that Jürgen Klopp has expressed understanding for Jérémy Doku's short-notice departure from his team. The Belgian footballer sparked controversial debates after leaving to witness the birth of his first child. Klopp's assessment was shared in a video, emphasizing that life sometimes takes priority over professional commitments. The report highlights the human element in sports, with Klopp supporting Doku's decision despite the controversy it generated.
Nachrichten - WELT2026 World Cup: Jérémy Doku Returns to Belgium Camp After Son's Birth
Jérémy Doku, the 24-year-old Manchester City winger, has returned to the Belgian national team's base camp in the United States after briefly leaving to be present for the birth of his son in England. The child was born on June 23, 2026. Doku made an express round trip and was warmly welcomed by his teammates at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington. The Belgian Red Devils official X account celebrated his return with a post stating 'Back in camp after the most important assist of his life.' Prior to the birth, the team had listed Doku as unavailable for the New Zealand match due to a respiratory infection. His return comes amid a controversy involving France Pierron, as mentioned in related articles.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertBelgium's Jérémy Doku Faces Backlash for Leaving World Cup for Son's Birth
Belgian national team star Jérémy Doku announced he would leave the 2026 World Cup to attend the birth of his son, sparking intense public debate in Belgium and France. France Pierron, a French sports commentator and mother, criticized Doku on TV, calling the birth a 'disgusting moment' and questioning his priorities over a World Cup opportunity. Pierron later apologized and was suspended from her role. Doku missed Belgium's match against Iran, officially listed as 'injury-related' with medical staff citing 'breathing difficulties.' The article notes that Doku is not a pioneer, as Yann Sommer and Kingsley Coman previously interrupted tournaments for childbirth. Belgium, with draws against Egypt and Iran, faces New Zealand to advance. The piece criticizes the hostility toward Doku and argues for valuing fatherhood over sporting commitments.
taz.de - taz.deJeremy Doku's First Words After Son's Birth During 2026 World Cup
Belgium and Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku has publicly spoken for the first time after temporarily leaving the Red Devils camp during the 2026 World Cup to attend the birth of his son, Praise, born in London. The 24-year-old faced criticism from journalist France Pierron, who questioned his decision to prioritize family during the tournament, sparking widespread backlash and leading to the presenter's suspension. In an Instagram story, Doku thanked fans for their support, confirmed that his partner Shireen and son Praise are doing well, and expressed his gratitude to the team. He stated that he is now ready to return to football and represent Belgium on the biggest stage. Doku is expected to rejoin the squad in the coming hours. The article also notes related coverage on the controversy and Belgium's World Cup campaign.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertDoku Returns to Belgium National Team After Birth of First Child
Belgian national team winger Jeremy Doku was granted permission by the team to travel to London to witness the birth of his first child. In a social media update on June 23, Doku thanked fans for their support and confirmed that his partner Shireen and their son Pres are doing well. He expressed gratitude to the team for their understanding and stated it is now time to return to football and represent his country on the biggest stage. Doku will rejoin the squad to prepare for an upcoming match against New Zealand. The news was reported by Hupu Soccer, citing the Belgian national team's official announcement and Doku's Instagram post.
虎扑 - 足球Jeremy Doku Returns to Belgium After Birth of Son Praise; Backlash Proven Wrong
Manchester City and Belgium winger Jeremy Doku flew home for the birth of his first child, a son named Praise, amid heavy criticism from some pundits, including a French presenter who called the idea 'disgusting.' Despite the backlash, Doku did not miss a single World Cup match because he was already sidelined with a respiratory illness for Belgium's draw with Iran. Belgium's team doctor confirmed the birth went perfectly, and Doku is set to rejoin his teammates in Seattle. The article notes that senior figures, including England striker Ollie Watkins, defended Doku's right to be present. Belgium has drawn both group games so far and needs a win against New Zealand on June 26 to secure a knockout round spot.
Yardbarker: SoccerJeremy Doku Rejoins Belgium National Team After Son's Birth
Belgian winger Jeremy Doku attended the birth of his son in London on Monday and will rejoin his national team on Tuesday. Doku's wife, Shireen, gave birth to a son named Praise, according to the Belgian soccer federation. Doku had missed Belgium's 0-0 draw against Iran on Sunday due to illness, but after receiving medical treatment, he was cleared to fly to London for the birth. The Manchester City star was accompanied by team doctor Brecht De Coninck, and all are reported to be doing well. Doku had previously faced criticism from Belgium fans for saying he planned to return to Europe for his wife's expected due date in July, which coincided with the World Cup quarterfinals. Belgium currently has 2 points in Group G, trailing Egypt by two points, and will face New Zealand on Friday in Vancouver. A win would likely secure Belgium a spot in the knockout stage.
Yardbarker: SoccerBelgium Star Jeremy Doku Returns to World Cup After Baby Birth Whirlwind
Belgium national team player Jeremy Doku (24) briefly left the World Cup camp in 2026 to be with his wife Shireen in London for the birth of their first child, son Praise. Doku missed the team's 0-0 draw against Iran due to illness and the trip, which sparked significant controversy in Belgium, with some critics calling the baby 'the most hated in the nation.' However, the Belgian Football Association confirmed that Doku will rejoin the squad on Tuesday, making him available for the crucial final group stage match against New Zealand on Saturday. Belgium currently sits with only two points after draws against Egypt and Iran, needing a win to guarantee advancement. Meanwhile, defender Brandon Mechele faces a similar dilemma as his wife is due to give birth soon after Doku's son.
BILD - SportJeremy Doku returns to UK on emergency flight for birth of first child
Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku flew from Belgium's 2026 World Cup camp in the USA to London on an emergency flight to be with his wife Shireen for the birth of their first son, Praise. Doku had missed Belgium's 0-0 draw with Iran due to a respiratory illness but was cleared by team doctors to travel. The birth went smoothly, and Doku is expected to rejoin the squad in Seattle ahead of a crucial World Cup match against New Zealand. The article notes that French newspaper L'Equipe apologized after a female commentator, France Pierron, criticized Doku for prioritizing the birth over the World Cup, calling the birth a 'disgusting moment' where the father is 'useless'. Pierron's comments were widely condemned as disgraceful, prompting the apology.
Mirror - FootballL'Équipe Suspends Journalist for Criticizing Player's Leave for Wife's Childbirth
French sports daily L'Équipe has temporarily suspended journalist France Pierron after she criticized Belgian footballer Jérémy Doku for leaving the national team during the 2026 World Cup to attend his wife's childbirth. In a statement, L'Équipe said Pierron's comments 'do not reflect the group's values of respect, responsibility, and professionalism,' while also condemning the insults and threats she has received. Pierron had called childbirth 'disgusting' and said the father is 'useless' during the process, suggesting Doku should prioritize the World Cup. Pierron will be off air until July 3, with a replacement host taking over her show. The incident has sparked wider debate about family leave and professional obligations in sports.
RecordL'Equipe Apologizes to Belgian Footballer Jeremy Doku Over Pundit's Comments on Childbirth
French sports media outlet L'Equipe has apologized to Belgian winger Jeremy Doku after one of its presenters, France Pierron, criticized his plan to leave the 2026 World Cup to attend the birth of his first child. Pierron called his intention 'disgusting' and said fathers are 'completely useless' during childbirth. The remarks sparked global backlash, with supporters including former Canada U-17 player Caroline Salame defending Doku. Meanwhile, Doku's wife Shireen gave birth to a boy named Praise on Monday. The Belgian football federation confirmed Doku made it back to London in time and will rejoin the squad in Seattle. Doku had previously stated he wanted to be present for the birth, noting the federation supports players in such situations.
Football | The GuardianL'Équipe Journalist France Pierron Removed from Air for Deriding Player's Choice to Attend Child's Birth
French sports media outlet L'Équipe announced on Monday, June 22, 2026, that journalist France Pierron would be taken off the air for the remainder of the season following controversial remarks about Belgian national team player Jérémy Doku. On Friday, Pierron mocked Doku's stated intention to skip the 2026 World Cup matches to be present for his wife's childbirth, calling the birth 'a disgusting moment where the father is useless.' After a public backlash on social media, Pierron apologized on Saturday, saying she never intended to minimize fathers' roles. L'Équipe initially distanced itself from the remarks, then announced Pierron's removal 'to allow a calm examination of the situation.' Consultant Pierre Bouby will replace her through July 3. The network also condemned the subsequent cyberstalking campaign and insults targeting Pierron. Doku, a star for Belgium, wished to return home for the birth of his first child, which could coincide with the round of 16 or quarterfinal matches.
Home Football - actualitésJeremy Doku's Childbirth Absence from World Cup Sparks Debate on Fatherhood in Football
Manchester City and Belgium winger Jeremy Doku left the 2026 World Cup camp to attend the birth of his first son, Praise, in England, with the full approval of the Belgian national team. The decision drew criticism from French TV presenter France Pierron, who called a father 'completely useless' during childbirth, prompting widespread backlash from players, the PFA, and the Fatherhood Institute. L'Equipe later apologized and suspended Pierron. The incident highlights the lack of formal paternity leave regulations in men's football, contrasting with FIFA's maternity leave rules for female players. Doku's teammate Ollie Watkins and Belgium's federation supported his choice, emphasizing the importance of family over professional obligations.
BBC SportFrench TV Moderator Sparks Outrage by Dismissing Player's Choice of Childbirth Over World Cup
Belgian national footballer Jeremy Doku announced he would leave the 2026 World Cup to be present for the birth of his first child, scheduled during the knockout phase. French TV moderator France Pierron on L'Équipe's show criticized this decision, calling childbirth a 'disgusting moment' and stating 'the father is useless there,' arguing that a World Cup opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime dream. Her comments ignited widespread backlash on social media and from other players like England's Ollie Watkins, who defended Doku's choice as unique and precious. L'Équipe publicly distanced itself, apologizing to Doku and the audience, and suspended Pierron from her role. Pierron later issued a statement acknowledging her words may have caused hurt. The debate occurred as Belgium faced pressure in the tournament after two draws.
Nachrichten - WELTOllie Watkins Supports Jeremy Doku's Decision to Leave World Cup for Child's Birth
England striker Ollie Watkins has publicly backed Belgium winger Jeremy Doku amid a debate over Doku's plan to leave the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Qatar for the birth of his first child. The decision has split opinion among fans and pundits, but Watkins firmly sided with Doku, arguing that family should come first. Watkins' comments highlight the ongoing tension between professional sporting commitments and personal family milestones at major tournaments. The article, published on June 22, 2026, by Yardbarker Soccer, captures a moment of cross-national solidarity between players from competing teams, emphasizing that some values transcend football rivalry.
Yardbarker: SoccerFrance Pierron Suspended from World Cup Coverage After Criticizing Jeremy Doku's Birth Plan
French presenter France Pierron has been suspended from La Chaîne L'Équipe's World Cup coverage after publicly criticizing Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku's plan to attend the birth of his first child. During a debate, Pierron argued that participating in the World Cup is a unique privilege and questioned Doku's decision to leave the tournament for childbirth, stating that 'the father serves no purpose' and is 'an extra.' The comments sparked a public backlash, leading to her suspension from presenting L'Équipe de choc. Pierron later apologized. Doku's wife Shireen is due in early July, potentially overlapping with Belgium's knockout stage matches. The Belgian federation is reportedly considering arranging a private plane for Doku to return to England if needed. Doku missed Belgium's match against Iran due to a respiratory illness, and his status remains uncertain ahead of the New Zealand game.
Yardbarker: SoccerBelgium World Cup 2026: Controversy Mounts Over Jérémy Doku's Childbirth Leave and France Pierron's Remarks
A growing controversy surrounds Manchester City and Belgium winger Jérémy Doku, who plans to leave the Belgian squad during the 2026 World Cup to attend the birth of his first child. French journalist France Pierron sparked outrage by calling the birth 'a disgusting moment where the father is useless,' leading to calls for her suspension by the L'Equipe group. England striker Ollie Watkins publicly defended Doku, stating he would do the same. Meanwhile, Belgium's poor tournament performance — two draws against Egypt and Iran — has left the Red Devils in third place in Group G, needing a win against New Zealand to advance. The story has drawn international media attention, including from the BBC and New York Times, which supported Doku's decision. A Belgian comedian joked that the team's poor results were ensuring Doku wouldn't have to travel home alone.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertJeremy Doku World Cup Family Leave Sparks Backlash Against French Reporter
Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku's decision to potentially leave Belgium's 2026 World Cup camp for the birth of his first child has ignited a family-versus-football debate. French reporter France Pierron criticized the move, suggesting Doku should prioritize the tournament over cutting an umbilical cord. The remarks triggered a strong backlash online, with fans labeling Pierron a 'Karen' and accusing her of devaluing fatherhood. Pierron later apologized. Doku has received wide support from fans and former Olympic boxer Brahim Asloum. Belgium's group-stage campaign continues amid the controversy, with Doku already missing one match due to illness.
Yardbarker: SoccerFrench pundit France Pierron suspended for 'disgraceful' comments on Belgium star Jeremy Doku leaving World Cup for birth of child
L'Equipe presenter France Pierron has been suspended after calling Belgium and Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku's decision to leave the World Cup early to attend the birth of his first child 'disgraceful' and 'disgusting'. Doku, 24, may miss the quarter-finals as his wife is due in July. Pierron's comments sparked widespread backlash, with critics calling her views outdated. Reports indicate she was stood down from presenting duty, and L'Equipe management initially allowed the post to go viral before deleting it and suspending her. Doku missed Belgium's 0-0 draw with Iran due to a chest infection but had stated his intention to be present for his child's birth, supported by his federation.
Mirror - FootballJournalist France Pierron Allegedly Suspended by L’Équipe Over Jeremy Doku Controversy
According to a report by Clément Garin, French journalist France Pierron has been taken off air from L’Équipe and will not host the show L’Équipe de choc on Monday, June 22, 2026, following a controversy sparked by her comments about Belgium and Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku. Pierron had criticized Doku for leaving the 2026 World Cup to be with his partner for the birth of their child. The alleged decision has reportedly caused internal confusion, as some at L’Équipe believe management initially chose not to remove the controversial post. As of publication, no official confirmation of the suspension has been made by the channel or in mainstream media.
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