Belgium forward Doku welcomes son, returns to World Cup after L'Équipe commentator suspended over childbirth remarks

A dash to London

Belgium winger Jeremy Doku left the team's World Cup base to be with his wife for the birth of their first child, a boy named Praise, the Belgian football federation confirmed on Monday. Doku had already been ruled out of Sunday's group match against Iran with a respiratory illness, and team doctor Brahim Hacene said the player was cleared to fly after several days of treatment.

“Jeremy received news before yesterday's match that the birth was imminent. 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.”

Doku was accompanied by another team doctor, Brecht De Coninck. The federation said mother, father and baby were all doing well, and that Doku would rejoin the squad in Seattle on Tuesday evening.

The commentator controversy

Doku's decision to leave the tournament drew sharp criticism from France Pierron, a presenter on L'Équipe TV's show 'L'Équipe de Choc'. She described childbirth as "a disgusting moment, excuse me, where the dad is useless" and argued that hundreds of players would do anything to play in a World Cup. The remarks triggered an online backlash, forcing the French sports daily to issue an apology late Sunday and suspend Pierron from the programme. L'Équipe said the comments did not represent its values.

“L'Équipe apologised to Doku and said the comments did not represent its values.”

Doku had spoken before the tournament about wanting to be present for the birth. "I would like to be there. No father would want to miss that. I know the federation is informed and we'll see what we can do," he told reporters earlier.

Belgium's campaign so far

Belgium drew 0-0 with Iran in Los Angeles, leaving them with two points from two Group G matches after an opening 1-1 draw with Egypt. Captain Youri Tielemans acknowledged the frustration but said the squad fully supported Doku's absence.

“We sent a message as a group to congratulate them. Becoming a parent is one of the most beautiful things there are. We find it more than normal that Jeremy is with his family now.”

Tielemans added that the performance against Iran was an improvement on the Egypt game, and that a win over New Zealand would secure a place in the next round.

What comes next

Doku is expected to train with the team in Seattle ahead of the final group fixture against New Zealand. Most outlets report the match will be played on Saturday 27 June in Vancouver, though one agency listed Friday 26 June. Belgium need a victory to guarantee progression from Group G.