'Completely Useless': The French TV Host Who Just Said THE Most Controversial Thing About Dads at the World Cup

Hold up, Emerald City! You won't believe the absolute firestorm brewing out of the World Cup right now, and it has absolutely nothing to do with tactics or VAR. We're talking about Belgium winger Jeremy Doku, a Manchester City forward, making a deeply personal decision, and a French TV presenter dropping a quote so wild it's making heads spin. Doku plans to fly home to Belgium to be there for the birth of his first child, even if his team is still kicking it in the tournament. Sounds like a totally human thing to do, right? Well, one presenter, France Pierron, decided to go scorched earth, calling dads "completely useless" during birth. Yeah, you read that right. And now, she's had to issue a public apology for the absolute mess she created.

Doku's Choice: Family Over Football Glory?

Jeremy Doku, the 24-year-old Manchester City forward, found himself in a position many athletes probably dread: a clash between monumental personal news and a career high. His wife, Shireen, is due during the second week of July. That timing lines up perfectly with the World Cup quarter-finals, a stage every player dreams of reaching. Doku confirmed to Reuters that he intends to leave the tournament and head back to Belgium, even if his team is still competing, with Belgian media reporting plans for a private jet. He's already missed Belgium's match against Iran due to a chest infection, but this decision goes way beyond a physical ailment.

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When asked about his choice, Doku was clear, saying, "depends on when it happens, but it's my first child, so I would definitely want to be there." He added, "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." It's a tough spot for any athlete, balancing that once-in-a-lifetime career moment with a once-in-a-lifetime family moment. You gotta respect a player prioritizing his family, don't you?

The Scathing Criticism and Swift Apology

That sentiment, however, was not shared by Channel L'Equipe presenter France Pierron. She went on social media and launched an astonishing attack on Doku's decision. Pierron wrote, "There are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your shoes. It might never happen again in your life." She didn't stop there, continuing with, "You're living out a childhood dream, yet you're going to walk away from it all to attend the birth of your child, a disgusting moment, if you'll pardon the expression, where the dad is completely useless." Completely useless. Wow. That quote alone makes you wonder what planet she's on!

Naturally, the backlash was swift and fierce. Pierron later posted an apology on X, stating, "I was expressing a personal opinion, within the framework of a debate." She admitted, "I understand that they may have shocked, hurt, or wounded some of you, and I am sorry for that. My intention has never been to minimise the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child." Sometimes, you say something out loud, and then you realize how badly you messed up. This definitely feels like one of those times.

Another Dad's World Cup Story

In a powerful contrast, Norway's Leo Ostigard, a 26-year-old defender, lived a similar moment from afar. Ostigard's partner, Aurora Eidmann, gave birth to their son on Friday, and he celebrated the arrival of his first child via video link. He described the experience to the Norwegian FA, saying, "I’m completely exhausted myself, it was absolutely amazing. She did so well, there wasn’t much I could say, I just had to help her work and get him out. I’m proud, amazing."

Ostigard was clearly overwhelmed, adding, "When I saw him for the first time, I was blown away. It’s absolutely insane. I’m so happy and proud. It’s definitely the greatest thing I’ve ever experienced." He even celebrated with teammates Erling Haaland, Jorgen Strand Larsen, and Sander Berge, who burst into his hotel room to share the joy. Ostigard, who scored for Norway in their opening win against Iraq, shared his relief, saying, "I think it makes me a little more relaxed, that everything has gone well, because you never know. Now it’s just joy and I’m very happy that things are good, and that my boy is out."

So, there you have it, 12s. Two players, two deeply personal paths during the biggest football tournament in the world. Doku's decision sparked controversy, while Ostigard's remote celebration brought joy. It makes you think about what really matters when these athletes are living out their dreams. Shout out to all the dads making their families a priority, whether they're on the field or off it.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.