Jeremy Doku is set to rejoin the Belgium World Cup squad after taking an emergency flight to London to be with his wife Shireen for the birth of their first son, Praise. The Manchester City winger missed Belgium's 0-0 draw against Iran on Sunday due to a respiratory illness but was cleared to travel.
Medical Clearance and Team Support
Belgium team doctor Brahim Hacene confirmed Doku was fit to fly. 'As he had already been receiving the appropriate medical treatment for several days, he was able to fly without any medical risk in order to be with his family during this very special moment,' Hacene said in a statement. 'He was accompanied by my colleague, Dr. Brecht De Coninck. Everything went perfectly, and the mother, father, and baby are all doing wonderfully. Jérémy will rejoin the group tomorrow evening in Seattle.'
The Belgian FA echoed this, stating: 'Jeremy received news before [Sunday'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.'
Pundit Controversy
The decision sparked controversy after French journalist France Pierron criticised Doku on L'Equipe de Choc, saying: 'You can’t miss a World Cup. And now, you’re not going to the match to cut an umbilical cord? 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.'
L'Equipe later disavowed the comments, apologising to Doku and stating they did not represent the publication's values. Pierron later clarified: 'In light of the very numerous reactions following my comments in 'L'Équipe de Choc' regarding Belgian footballer Jérémy Doku, I wish to provide a few clarifications. In it, I expressed a personal opinion, within the framework of a debate. These remarks commit only me and in no way reflect a collective position. 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 minimize the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child.'
Belgium's World Cup Situation
Belgium face New Zealand on Friday in their final World Cup group match, needing a win after two draws to avoid elimination. Coach Rudi Garcia supported Doku's absence, saying before the Iran match: 'He can’t play, and so we’ll be playing without him. I knew since Friday that he won’t be playing. I don’t want to get players to play if they’re not medically up for the game. I can get players to play even if they’re not 100 percent physically, but 100 percent medically is more important.'
