Why did L'Équipe suspend France Pierron from World Cup coverage? Broadcaster apologizes to Jeremy Doku following backlash over controversial remarks

As the 2026 World Cup is in full swing, with football enthusiasts across the globe celebrating the game and supporting their own countries, prominent French journalist and TV host, France Pierron, drew backlash online for taking a serious dig at the 24-year-old Belgian footballer, Jeremy Doku, when he shared that he might take a brief break from the ongoing World Cup to be there for his first child's birth, according to Goal.com.

France Pierron made some harsh comments and criticized Jeremy Doku, who also plays for the Manchester City football club, on June 19, 2026, on the French TV show L'Équipe de Choc, after he opened up about attending the birth of his first kid, which is in July, while taking a temporary break from the 2026 World Cup.

According to Goal.com, as France Pierron reportedly claimed that her harsh comments and remarks towards Jeremy Doku were entirely her personal opinion, the French journalist, during a live broadcast, 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."

Pierron further added:

"And you're going to leave all that to be present for the birth of your child, which is a disgusting moment, excuse my language, where the father is useless, he's just an extra."

Sports enthusiasts and netizens were quick to notice Pierron's comments and hold her responsible for her rough and insensitive remarks towards Doku, as she faced widespread online backlash.

It was after her extremely controversial June 19 comments that France Pierron was immediately suspended from World Cup coverage at the news outlet L'Équipe. According to Goal.com, not only was Pierron suspended from her job at L'Équipe, but she also had to publicly apologize for her harsh words toward Jeremy Doku via her X (formerly Twitter) handle. Pierron took to X and wrote:

"I was expressing a personal opinion within the context of a debate. These remarks are solely my own and in no way reflect a collective position. I understand that they may have shocked, offended, or hurt some of you, and I am sorry. My intention was never to minimize the place or role of fathers with their partners and children."

Jeremy Doku, keeping in mind his family duties, says, "It's my first child, so I really want to be there"

Following journalist France Pierron's controversial comments regarding his plan to take a break from the 2026 World Cup to be present during the birth of his first child, Jeremy Doku, as per Goal.com, said:

"It will depend on when it happens, but it's my first child, so I really want to be there."

Doku further added:

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"If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child. But I also know that football involves many other considerations. I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We'll see what we can do."

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