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Rabat – Belgium star Jérémy Doku has thrown his team’s tournament plans into question after announcing he wants to temporarily leave the World Cup to be present for the birth of his first child.
Doku’s wife is expected to give birth during the second week of July. The winger intends to fly home for the arrival, even if Belgium reaches the quarter-finals of the tournament.
Speaking about the situation, the Manchester City winger acknowledged the difficult balance between his personal life and his professional duties. He admitted that while family is his priority, he understands the pressure of the tournament.
“It depends on when it happens, but it’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there,” the 24-year-old player told Reuters.
“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.” Doku added.
“I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We’ll see what we can do,” he concluded.
Doku’s decision faced harsh backlash from French TV presenter France Pierron, who called a father “completely useless” during childbirth.
“There are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your shoes. It might never happen again in your life.”
“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.” Pierron added.
Despite the criticism, Doku received a lot of support online. Among his defenders was retired French boxer Brahim Asloum, an Olympic gold medalist from the 2000 Sydney Games.
“A baby is your entire life. A World Cup is over when it is over” Asloum said.
Later on Saturday, Pierron posted a statement on X to explain her comments and apologize to anyone she offended.
“These remarks commit only me and in no way reflect a collective position. I understand that they may have shocked, hurt, or wounded some of you, and I am sorry for that.” The French presenter stated.
Doku is out of today’s World Cup match against Iran because of an illness. Belgium, managed by Rudi Garcia, drew their opening game 1-1 against Egypt.
