Jeremy Doku prioritises family over Belgium World Cup duties

Jeremy Doku has reaffirmed his commitment to family as he prepares to become a father next month. The Manchester City winger insists on being present at the birth of his first child, even if it means leaving the Belgium squad during the World Cup. Doku played 86 minutes of Belgium’s opening 1-1 draw with Egypt in Group G but missed their 0-0 draw against Iran due to illness. France Pierron, a presenter for channel, sparked controversy by calling a father "completely useless" at the time of childbirth, describing it as a "disgusting moment." issued a statement apologising for Pierron’s remarks, stating they were "very far removed" from its values. Pierron also apologised, and reports in France indicated she would not present her show on Monday. The football community rallied behind Doku. Ollie Watkins, the England striker with two children, defended Doku’s stance. "I think someone labelled it disgusting and I think for a start that's not a way to label a birth," Watkins said. "It only happens once - welcoming your first child to the world - and it is a blessing."

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The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) emphasised the need to support players during key family moments. "Supporting players as people, not just athletes, is an important part of creating a healthy professional working environment," a PFA spokesperson stated. The Fatherhood Institute also voiced its support for Doku. Deputy chief executive Jeremy Davies compared the demands on players to "gladiators in the Colosseum," highlighting the imbalance between professional expectations and personal priorities. Doku’s wife, Shireen, is due to give birth during the second week of July. His potential absence could extend to a quarter-final if Belgium progress, though he acknowledged the complexities of balancing football and family commitments. "If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child," Doku told Reuters. "But I also know that football involves many other considerations. We'll see what we can do."