Jeremy Doku criticised over plan to leave World Cup to attend birth of first child

Jeremy Doku has been unfairly criticised for saying that he will leave Belgium's World Cup squad to attend the birth of his first child.

The 24-year-old's wife, Shireen, is due to give birth to a baby boy in the second week of July, which lines up with the quarter-final stage of this summer's tournament.

Earlier this week, Doku told reporters that he would be with Shireen when the moment arrives. "It depends on when it happens, but it's my first child, so I ‌would ⁠definitely want to be there," he said.

"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," Doku added. "We'll see what we can do."

Many will relate to Doku's words given the occasion, but on Friday, L’Equipe presenter France Pierron ripped into the Manchester City winger for his decision to attend a "disgusting moment" instead of being at the World Cup.

"You can't miss a World Cup. And now, you're not going to the match to cut an umbilical cord?" he said.

"You have the chance to participate in a World Cup, and there are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place, but you're going to leave all that to go and witness the birth of your child, which is a disgusting moment, excuse me, where the father is useless, he has a role as an extra."

Brahim Asloum, a former boxer who was also appearing on the show, criticised Pierron’s comments. "What do you mean, we're useless?" he replied. "Who's encouraging us?"

Pierron proceeded to double down on his claims.

"The midwife doesn't know how to do it? Meanwhile, you're going to waste 10 hours, you're going to get exhausted, you're going to have an emotional meltdown, you're going to be completely deflated by your World Cup," he said.

Asloum, however, was having none of it. "A baby is your whole life," he said. "You can win a World Cup or miss it, but once it's over, it's over."

Pierron ended the argument by saying: "But Brahim, your baby will always be there."

Jeremy Doku ruled out of Iran game

Doku has been left out of Belgium's squad for their group stage clash against Iran on Sunday after suffering a relapse with a respiratory infection, according to Sporza,

Belgium's sporting director Vincent Mannaert confirmed Doku's absence, saying: "It is better to let him rest now and then work towards the final group match against New Zealand."