Jeremy Doku flew back to London from the World Cup for the birth of his first child, which arrived earlier than expected. The Manchester City winger’s wife, Shireen, was due to give birth in the second week of July, but the baby came early, prompting Doku to return to the UK from the United States to be present.
Doku missed Belgium's World Cup 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 London. The Belgium FA confirmed on Monday that Doku had received news before the match that the birth was imminent.
‘Jeremy received news before yesterday’s match that the birth was imminent,’ the Belgium FA stated. ‘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 will rejoin Belgium squad ahead of crucial New Zealand match
Doku is set to rejoin his international teammates on Tuesday, ahead of Belgium’s decisive final group game against New Zealand on Friday (4am Saturday in the UK). Belgium have drawn their first two matches against Egypt and Iran, so they need a result against New Zealand to advance to the knockout stages.
Controversy over Doku's departure
Doku’s decision to attend the birth of his first child sparked controversy last week. He told Reuters of his desire to be present: ‘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 criticized Doku on L’Équipe de Choc, saying: ‘This outrages me. 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. You’re going to take a 10-hour flight, exhaust yourself, go through the wringer emotionally… how can you return to play after that? The baby will always be there.’
Pierron later issued a partial 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.’
