Overview
- Belgium winger Jérémy Doku has formally asked to be allowed to leave the national team camp to attend the birth of his first child, which is expected in the second week of July and could fall during the World Cup quarterfinal period.
- France Pierron, a presenter on L'Équipe, said the birth was “a disgusting moment” in which a father is “totally useless,” prompting widespread criticism and a personal apology from Pierron on X.
- L'Équipe issued a statement distancing the group from Pierron's remarks and apologizing to Doku and supporters, while a reported suspension of Pierron from broadcasts remains unconfirmed and she later appeared on air.
- Doku was officially listed unavailable for Belgium’s second group match because of illness, and whether he can leave camp will be decided by the Belgium staff if the team advances to the knockout rounds.
- The case has sparked public and athlete support for Doku and raised questions about media responsibility and team policy, with examples such as Norway’s Leo Østigård using FaceTime to watch a birth offered as a practical alternative.