Belgium winger Jeremy Doku flies back to the UK and then rejoins Belgium’s World Cup squad after attending the birth of his first child. Multiple reports say he informed Belgium that the delivery was imminent and left the World Cup camp while his wife was in labour, with Belgium’s team medical staff involved in the decision-making. The Belgium football association says Doku was receiving appropriate medical treatment for several days and that he flew without medical risk, accompanied by team doctor Brecht De Coninck. Sources report the birth happens earlier than expected, and that Doku’s wife, Shireen, was due to give birth in July’s second week. Doku misses Belgium’s match against Iran, with one outlet also noting he returned to the UK after being ill. Belgium subsequently confirm he will rejoin the squad on Tuesday evening in Seattle, ahead of Belgium’s next group match against New Zealand, where results are needed after draws with Egypt and Iran. The decision to leave the tournament sparked public debate and criticism in some media, with at least one French TV presenter later apologising for comments made in that controversy.
Jeremy Doku returns to Belgium squad after flying to London for birth of first child
Belgium winger Jeremy Doku flies back to the UK and then rejoins Belgium’s World Cup squad after attending the birth of his first child. Multiple reports say he informed Belgium that the delivery was...
- Belgium winger Jeremy Doku leaves World Cup camp to be present at the birth of his first child
- Belgium says the player received news the birth was imminent and he flew with medical clearance, accompanied by team doctor Brecht De Coninck
- Doku misses Belgium’s World Cup match against Iran due to illness and his time away for the birth
- His child is born in London, and Belgium says Doku will rejoin the squad in Seattle the following day (Tuesday)
- The departure drew media controversy and criticism, with at least one presenter later issuing an apology
Belgium forward Jérémy Doku was expected to rejoin the team at its World Cup training facility on Tuesday following the birth of his first child, a boy named Praise.
2 months agoHe plans to leave the World Cup for the birth
2 months agoDoku and his wife welcomed their first child on Monday after the winger dashed to London from the World Cup
2 months agoJeremy Doku flew home for the birth of his first child, and the noise that followed has not cost the Belgium winger a single minute of his World Cup. The Manchester City forward faced heavy criticism when he said he wanted to be present for the birth, with one French presenter calling the idea disgusting.
2 months agoAccording to the federation, the decision to allow Doku to leave the national team camp followed consultations with the team’s medical staff after it became clear that the birth of his first child was imminent The post World Cup: Doku welcomes baby boy after controversial exit from Belgium camp appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
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