Jeremy Doku faced criticism for planning to miss the World Cup to be there for the birth of his first child.
Jeremy Doku has faced some unfair criticism for saying he plans to leave Belgium’s World Cup team to be there for the birth of his first child.
The 24-year-old and his wife, Shireen, are expecting a baby boy in the second week of July, which is around the time of the tournament’s quarter-finals. Earlier this week, Doku told reporters he definitely wants to be with Shireen when the baby arrives. “It depends on the timing, but since it’s my first child, I really want to be there,” he said.
He added, “No one wants to miss the birth of their first child, but I also understand football has many other important things.” He believes the football federation will support him and said, “We’ll see what can be done.”
Many people can understand Doku’s feelings, but on Friday, French TV host France Pierron sharply criticized him for choosing to be at the birth instead of the World Cup. Pierron called it a “disgusting moment” to leave the tournament for, saying, “You can’t miss a World Cup. Are you really going to miss a match to cut an umbilical cord?”
Pierron also said, “There are hundreds of players who would love to be you, but you’re going to leave all that for a moment where the father’s role is almost useless.” Former boxer Brahim Asloum, who was also on the show, disagreed strongly. “What do you mean we’re useless? Who supports us in those moments?” he asked.
Pierron doubled down on his opinion, claiming, “The midwife knows what to do. You’ll be tired, emotional, and drained from your World Cup.” But Asloum stood firm, saying, “A baby is your whole life. You can win or miss a World Cup, but when it’s done, it’s done.” Pierron ended the debate by saying, “But Brahim, your baby will always be there.”
Recently, Doku was left out of Belgium’s squad for their group stage game against Iran on Sunday due to a respiratory infection, according to Sporza. Belgium’s sporting director Vincent Mannaert said it’s best for Doku to rest now and prepare for the final group game against New Zealand.