Belgium attacker to consider exiting tournament midway for partner’s delivery, prompting widespread online criticism for “disregard” for once-in-a-lifetime event, but insists family comes first.
Belgium winger Jeremy Doku has caused a furore after saying he may leave the Red Devils’ World Cup camp to attend the birth of his first child. The 24-year-old Manchester City star admitted his wife, Shireen, is due to give birth during the second week of July.
At that point, Belgium could well be at the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final stage.
“ It’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there,” Doku told Reuters. “Nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child, but football also involves many other considerations. ” French TV presenter France Pierron was among those who blasted the Belgian on social media, writing: “World Cup, opportunity of a lifetime … What use is a father at childbirth? The placenta will not do him more harm”.
Her post quickly ignited a furious backlash on Twitter, with boxing legend Brahim Asloum tweeting: “ A baby is your entire life.
A World Cup is over when it is over. In response to her critics, Pierron apologised, insisting she “never wanted to dismiss” the role of fathers during childbirth. Doku will be absent from Saturday’s clash with Iran, having stayed behind to recover from illness as Belgium opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Egypt.
