Doku faces criticism over plan to leave World Cup for child's birth

Belgium and Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku has faced criticism after stating his intention to leave the World Cup camp to be with his wife, Shireen, for the birth of their first child. Shireen is due to give birth during the second week of July, which would coincide with the quarter-final stage of the tournament if Belgium advances.

Doku, 24, told Reuters: "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."

Criticism from French presenter

France Pierron, a presenter on French sports channel L'Equipe, publicly criticized Doku's plan. In a Facebook post, she wrote: "The World Cup is an incredible joy. There are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your shoes. It might never happen again in your life. You're living out a childhood dream, yet you're going to walk away from it all to attend the birth of your child - a disgusting moment, if you'll pardon the expression, where the dad is completely useless."

Support for Doku

Pierron's remarks sparked widespread backlash online, with many defending Doku's decision. Among the supporters was retired French boxer Brahim Asloum, a gold medalist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, who wrote: "A baby is your entire life. A World Cup is over when it is over."

Later on Saturday, Pierron issued a statement on her X page, apologizing for any offense. She said: "I was expressing a personal opinion, within the context of a contentious exchange. 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."

Doku's illness and Belgium's World Cup campaign

Belgium confirmed on Saturday that Doku will miss their second World Cup group match against Iran due to illness. The match is scheduled for 20:00 BST. Belgium drew their opening group game 1-1 with Egypt.