Jeremy Doku Faces Criticism for Leaving World Cup to Attend Childbirth Winger Jeremy Doku has drawn criticism for announcing his intention to leave Belgium’s World Cup squad to be with his wife, Shireen, during the birth of their first child. The 24-year-old Manchester City forward revealed his decision in an interview with Reuters, stating he would return to Belgium even if the team remained in the tournament. Shireen is due to give birth during the second week of July, a timeline that conflicts with Belgium’s schedule. Doku emphasized the personal significance of the moment, saying, “It’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there.” He acknowledged the complexities of balancing football commitments with family responsibilities, noting, “I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We’ll see what we can do.” The decision has sparked sharp criticism, particularly from France Pierron, a presenter for the French sports publication L’Equipe. Pierron mocked Doku’s choice on Facebook, calling him “completely useless” during his child’s birth. She argued that the World Cup is a rare and cherished opportunity for footballers, stating, “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.” Her comments ignited a heated debate about the prioritization of family versus professional obligations. Doku has received widespread support from fans and other athletes. Retired boxer Brahim Asloum, who won light-flyweight gold for France at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, defended Doku’s choice, writing, “A baby is your entire life.#l_equipe #jeremy_doku #rudi_garcia #shireen #france_pierre
