Overview
- Belgian football authorities granted Doku permission to leave the national camp and travel to London with a team doctor, and he did not sit on the bench for Belgium’s match versus Iran.
- France Pierron drew sharp criticism after on-air comments described a father’s role at childbirth as unnecessary, remarks that several outlets quoted and users condemned on social media.
- L'Équipe issued an apology distancing itself from those remarks and removed Pierron from broadcasts temporarily while the controversy calmed.
- Fellow players and commentators publicly defended Doku’s choice, with Ollie Watkins explicitly supporting the decision and rejecting Pierron’s language.
- The episode has widened debate at the tournament over how teams, media and clubs handle family events for players and could prompt clearer policies on permitted absences and media conduct.