Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku has returned to the Belgium World Cup squad after flying to London for the birth of his first child, a son named Praise, amid a controversy over paternity leave comments made by a French journalist.
Birth and Travel Arrangements
Belgium's football association (RBFA) confirmed that Doku's partner, Shireen Raymond, gave birth to a baby boy. Doku missed Belgium's match against Iran due to a respiratory issue but was permitted to travel to London for the birth. He is expected to rejoin the squad in Seattle in time for the next match against New Zealand.
An RBFA statement said: "Red Devil Jeremy Doku and his wife have just become the proud parents of a baby boy, Praise. Jeremy received the news yesterday, ahead of the match, that the birth was imminent. In consultation with the Red Devils' medical staff, it was decided to temporarily allow him to join his wife in London."
Medical Clearance and Team Support
Team doctor Brahim Hacene explained: "Jeremy was informed yesterday before the match that the birth was imminent. As he had already been receiving the appropriate medication for several days, he was able to travel without any medical risk in order to be with his family during this special moment. He was accompanied by fellow team doctor Brecht De Coninck. Everything went very well and mother, father and son are all doing great."
Journalist Suspended for 'Disgraceful' Comments
French journalist France Pierron was suspended from her role at L'Equipe after making controversial remarks about Doku's decision to attend the birth. On the show L'Equipe de Choc, she said: "You can't miss a World Cup. And now, you're not going to the match to cut an umbilical cord? You have the chance to participate in a World Cup, and there are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place. But you're going to leave all that to go and witness the birth of your child, which is a disgusting moment. Excuse me, where the father is useless, he has a role as an extra."
L'Equipe disavowed her comments, calling them "disgraceful." Pierron later clarified: "In light of the very numerous reactions following my comments ... I wish to provide a few clarifications. In it, I expressed a personal opinion, within the framework of a debate. 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. My intention has never been to minimize the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child."
Coach's Perspective
Belgium boss Garcia supported Doku's decision, stating before the Iran match: "He can't play, and so we'll be playing without him. I knew since Friday that he won't be playing. I don't want to get players to play if they're not medically up for the game. I can get players to play even if they're not 100 percent physically, but 100 percent medically is more important."
