22.06.2026 23:00
Belgian footballer Jeremy Doku, whose wife is about to give birth, has left the World Cup. French journalist France Pierron criticized this situation, targeting Doku by saying, "You have the chance to play in the World Cup. Hundreds of footballers would give their lives to be in your place. This opportunity may never come your way again in your life." French newspaper L'Equipe announced that it apologized to Jeremy Doku and terminated the journalist's employment.
Star footballer Jeremy Doku, who plays for the Belgium National Team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, surprisingly announced his withdrawal from the tournament.
HE ANNOUNCED HE WANTS TO BE WITH HIS WIFE
The successful winger, whose first child is due soon, decided to leave the camp and return home to not miss this special moment and to support his wife.
CRITICISM FROM JOURNALIST PIERRON TO DOKU
French journalist France Pierron harshly criticized Doku live on air with very strong words after Doku announced he would leave the World Cup camp due to his wife's childbirth.
''WOULD YOU LEAVE THE WORLD CUP FOR YOUR CHILD'S BIRTH?''
During a World Cup special program, Pierron said in his statement, "You have the chance to play in the World Cup. Hundreds of footballers would give their lives to be in your place. This opportunity may never come your way again in your life... And are you going to leave all this behind to attend your child's birth? Childbirth is a disastrous moment where the father is useless. The father's role there is nothing more than that of an extra. You hold a hand and take a photo. The baby will be there anyway, even if you don't go to the birth... But you will travel a long way, lose 10 hours, have an emotional breakdown, and be exhausted from fatigue. The World Cup is unmissable. Some men may have taken out loans, sacrificed everything just to come watch the World Cup; yet you won't be there to cut an umbilical cord." he said.
HE WAS FIRED
While France Pierron's words quickly became a hot topic, the 44-year-old journalist became the center of backlash. In response to these reactions, the French newspaper L'Equipe apologized to Jeremy Doku and his family and announced that the journalist had been fired.