Jeremy Doku Insists Family Comes First Amid World Cup Birth Debate

Belgium winger Jeremy Doku has said he would leave the national team’s World Cup camp to be present for the birth of his first child, even if Belgium remain in the tournament.

Jeremy Doku, 24, whose wife Shireen is expected to give birth next month, said missing such a milestone would be difficult despite the demands of elite football.

Doku’s stance sparked controversy after L’Equipe presenter France Pierron criticised his position, claiming a father is “completely useless” during childbirth and describing the experience as a “disgusting moment”.

The remarks triggered widespread backlash. L’Equipe later apologised, saying the comments were “very far removed” from the publication’s values. Pierron also issued an apology, while reports in France indicated she would not present her programme on Monday.

Doku featured for 86 minutes in Belgium’s opening 1-1 draw against Egypt in Group G but missed the subsequent goalless draw with Iran through illness.

With Shireen due to give birth during the second week of July, the timing could clash with Belgium’s quarter-final involvement should they advance that far.

“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. I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We’ll see what we can do.”

England striker Ollie Watkins, a father of two, backed Doku’s position and criticised the description of childbirth.

“I think someone labelled it disgusting and I think for a start that’s not a way to label a birth,” Watkins said.

“I’ve seen what my wife had to go through and that was quite smooth sailing but I know family members and friends who haven’t had it that way.

“It only happens once, welcoming your first child to the world, and it is a blessing. There are a lot of times when you’re away from family and friends during the season and it’s very difficult, so to miss that would be tough and I see where he’s coming from.”

Support also came from the Professional Footballers’ Association, which said players should not have to sacrifice major family moments because of professional commitments.

“While every situation is different, we believe players should be supported in balancing their professional responsibilities with important life events,” a PFA spokesperson said.

“Supporting players as people, not just athletes, is an important part of creating a healthy professional working environment.”

The Fatherhood Institute echoed that view, arguing that footballers should not be expected to place entertainment above family responsibilities.

“It makes me think of gladiators in the Colosseum,” deputy chief executive Jeremy Davies said.

“We want these men to be these heroic figures who exist for our entertainment. They get paid lots of money but some things are worth a lot more.”