Belgian footballer Jeremy Doku marks the birth of his first child while the surrounding commentary controversy continues to settle. Multiple outlets report that the Belgium football federation sends congratulations to Doku following the birth of his son, named Praise, on Monday. The congratulations come one day after a French media organization apologises after a commentator criticised Doku’s stated intention to leave the World Cup early so he can be present for his baby’s arrival. The reports describe that the criticism concerned Doku’s plans and the timing around the tournament, and that the French outlet later retracts or apologises for the remarks. Other coverage notes that the Fédération’s response is supportive, focusing on the player and his family, rather than engaging with the earlier commentary. No outlet provides additional details about the commentator’s exact statements beyond the criticism of Doku’s intention to step away from the World Cup for the birth. All accounts agree on the sequence: commentary, apology by the French media organisation, and then federation congratulations after the baby’s birth.