French sports daily L'Equipe announced on 21/6 that presenter France Pierron was suspended following controversial comments she made on 19/6. The newspaper stated: "Pierron's remarks during the program on 19/6 shocked many viewers. L'Equipe completely disagrees with these comments as they go against the group's values. We apologize to the player involved and to the fans."

Pierron did not appear in the next broadcast of "L'Equipe de Choc," as initially scheduled, confirming her temporary suspension.

Presenter France Pierron of the sports daily L'Equipe. Photo: Instagram/francepierron

The controversy began with a recent statement from Doku about potentially flying back to Belgium to be with his wife for the birth of their first daughter. His wife, Shireen Erin Lyannda Raymond, is due in the second week of July, which coincides with the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals. Doku indicated he would rejoin the tournament in North America if Belgium advanced beyond that stage.

During her commentary on the topic, Pierron reacted strongly, calling the idea of leaving the national team during the World Cup "difficult to accept". She further asserted that a husband's role in the birthing process is not overly important.

Despite opposition from several guests on the program, Pierron maintained her stance. She argued that Doku would "waste 10 hours of travel" and experience physical and emotional exhaustion, while "the child would always be there".

These statements quickly drew widespread criticism, prompting Pierron to clarify her remarks. She explained that she did not intend to trivialise a father's role but was offering a personal opinion during a debate with differing views. "Those statements do not represent any collective position. I understand that they may have hurt many people and I apologize for that," she wrote.

L'Equipe is France's most prominent sports daily. The newspaper, along with France Football magazine, is part of the Editions Philippe Amaury media group, which also founded the Tour de France cycling race and the Ballon d'Or award.

Jeremy Doku and Shireen Erin Lyannda Raymond got engaged in Dubai in 8/2025, before marrying two months later. Photo: Instagram/jeremydoku

In contrast to L'Equipe's stance, the French Women Sports Journalists Association defended Pierron against personal attacks. The organization stated they "completely disagreed" with her views but also opposed harassment campaigns targeting her.

Meanwhile, England national team forward Ollie Watkins publicly supported Doku's decision. "I don't think the word 'disgusting' can be used to describe childbirth," Watkins stated at a 22/6 press conference. "A first child only comes once in a lifetime. Welcoming a child into the world is priceless."

The Aston Villa forward asserted that Doku has every right to be with his family during this crucial moment, expressing confidence that his colleague would receive the necessary support to attend the birth and then promptly rejoin the team.

At the 2026 World Cup, Doku played 86 minutes in Belgium's opening 1-1 draw against Egypt. He then missed their second match, a 0-0 draw against Iran, due to illness.