A television presenter has been suspended by the French sports channel L'Equipe after making critical remarks about Belgium and Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku's intention to temporarily leave the 2026 FIFA World Cup to attend the birth of his first child. The incident has ignited a heated discussion about the balance between professional sporting commitments and family responsibilities.
What Happened
The presenter, whose name has not been officially disclosed by the channel, made the comments during a live broadcast on L'Equipe, a prominent sports media outlet in France. While discussing Belgium's World Cup squad and their prospects, the presenter questioned Doku's decision to prioritise the birth of his child over representing his country in the tournament. The remarks were perceived as dismissive of modern family values and parental leave, leading to immediate backlash from viewers and colleagues.
According to sources within L'Equipe, the channel's management acted swiftly, suspending the presenter pending an internal investigation. The channel released a brief statement confirming the suspension, stating that the comments did not align with its editorial values of respect and inclusivity. 'L'Equipe channel condemns any remarks that undermine family values or discriminate against personal life choices. We have suspended the presenter involved and will take appropriate measures,' the statement read.
Doku's Plan and Context
Jeremy Doku, 24, who plays for Manchester City in the English Premier League, had previously informed the Belgian Football Association and national team coach Domenico Tedesco of his intention to leave the World Cup camp temporarily if his partner goes into labour during the tournament. The 2026 World Cup, scheduled to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, runs from June 8 to July 3, 2026. Doku's partner is due around that time, making the decision a deeply personal one.
Doku's plan has garnered support from several quarters, including fellow players, pundits, and parenting advocacy groups. Former Belgium international and current pundit Jan Vertonghen defended Doku's right to be present for the birth of his child. 'Football is important, but family is more important. No one should be criticised for wanting to be there for the birth of their child,' Vertonghen said in a social media post.
Reactions and Fallout
The suspension has drawn mixed reactions. Many have applauded L'Equipe for taking a stand against what they see as outdated attitudes towards fatherhood and work-life balance. 'This is a positive step. It shows that media organisations are beginning to recognise the importance of parental involvement for both mothers and fathers,' said Marie Dupont, a spokesperson for the French Family Rights Association.
However, some conservative voices have criticised the channel for what they perceive as overreach, arguing that sports commentators should be allowed to express opinions on players' commitments to their teams. In response, L'Equipe's editor-in-chief, Pierre Lefevre, clarified that the channel supports freedom of expression but draws the line at disrespecting personal life choices. 'We have a duty to foster a respectful environment. The presenter's remarks crossed a line,' he told French media.
Broader Implications
This incident is part of a larger global conversation about parental leave for professional athletes, particularly in high-profile events like the World Cup. In recent years, several male athletes have taken time off for the birth of their children, including NBA players and footballers in various leagues. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) and FIFA have not yet established specific policies regarding temporary leave for childbirth during tournaments, leaving such decisions to individual players and national associations.
According to a 2025 survey by the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro), 68% of professional male footballers believe they should be allowed to take paternity leave during major tournaments. The survey also found that 42% of players feared negative repercussions from clubs or national teams if they requested such leave.
What's Next
As of now, Doku remains focused on his preparations for the World Cup, with Belgium set to play their first group match on June 12, 2026. The Belgian FA has confirmed that they will support Doku's decision, with coach Tedesco stating, 'We are a modern team. We respect our players' personal lives. Jeremy has our full support.'
L'Equipe's investigation into the suspended presenter is expected to conclude within the next week, with possible outcomes including a formal apology, additional training, or termination of employment. The channel has not disclosed whether the presenter will be reinstated.
