Jeremy Doku faces backlash for prioritizing his child's birth over participation in the World Cup, sparking heated discussions among commentators and former athletes.
France Pierron, a presenter for the French sports network L'Equipe, has faced significant criticism for his remarks regarding Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku's decision to leave the World Cup to attend the birth of his first child. Pierron stated, '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.'
Doku, who had expressed that the national federation supports its players' personal situations, noted, 'We'll see what we can do.' His comments resonated with many, yet Pierron took issue with Doku's choice, labeling it a 'disgusting moment' to miss a World Cup match for the birth. He asserted, 'You can't miss a World Cup. And now, you're not going to the match to cut an umbilical cord?'
Pierron continued his critique by emphasizing the rarity of World Cup opportunities, stating, '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 and fellow guest on the show, strongly contested Pierron's comments, questioning, 'What do you mean, we're useless? Who's encouraging us?' In response, Pierron doubled down, claiming, '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.'
Asloum countered Pierron's argument by stressing the significance of parenthood, stating, 'A baby is your whole life. You can win a World Cup or miss it, but once it's over, it's over.' Pierron concluded the debate by asserting, 'But Brahim, your baby will always be there.'
Doku's absence from Belgium's squad for their group stage match against Iran on Sunday is due to a relapse with a respiratory infection, as reported by Sporza. Belgium's sporting director, Vincent Mannaert, confirmed Doku's situation, stating, 'It is better to let him rest now and then work towards the final group match against New Zealand.'
