Jeremy Doku flew back to London from the World Cup for the birth of his first child, which came earlier than expected, but has arrived safely. The Manchester City winger's wife, Shireen, was due to give birth in the second week of July, but the baby arrived early. Doku traveled from America to London to be present for the birth.
Doku Misses Belgium's Match Against Iran
The 24-year-old missed Belgium's World Cup clash with Iran on Sunday due to illness and was accompanied by a team doctor on his return to the UK. The Belgium FA stated on Monday: 'Jeremy received news before yesterday's match that the birth was imminent. As he had already been receiving appropriate medical treatment for several days, he was able to fly without medical risk to be with his family during this very special moment. He was accompanied by my colleague, Dr. Brecht De Coninck. Everything went perfectly, and the mother, father, and baby are all doing wonderfully. Jeremy will rejoin the squad tomorrow (Tuesday) evening in Seattle.'
Doku to Rejoin Squad Ahead of Crucial Match
Doku will be back with his international teammates on Tuesday, ahead of their crunch final group game against New Zealand on Friday (4am Saturday in the UK). Belgium have drawn their first two games with Egypt and Iran, so they need a result against New Zealand to progress to the knockout stages.
Controversy Over Doku's Departure
Doku's departure to attend the birth of his first child sparked controversy last week. He told Reuters of his desire to be at the birth: 'It depends on when it happens, but it's my first child, so I would definitely want to be there. 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. I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We'll see what we can do.'
French TV presenter France Pierron created a storm over the issue, slamming Doku for leaving his World Cup duties. 'This outrages me,' she said on L'Équipe de Choc. 'When you are lucky enough to appear at a World Cup, there are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place. It's a unique moment, a childhood dream come true. And you're going to walk away from that to be at the birth of your child? You can't miss a World Cup… And now, you're not going to the match to cut an umbilical cord? I'm sorry, the father serves no purpose. He is an extra. He just holds your hand and takes a photo.'
She later issued something of an apology, stating: 'In light of the very numerous reactions following my comments in "L'Équipe de Choc" regarding Belgian footballer Jérémy Doku, 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 minimise the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child.'
