Jérémy Doku faces row over leaving Belgium camp to attend birth during World Cup | OneFootball

Jérémy Doku could leave Belgium’s World Cup camp to attend the birth of his first child, a prospect that has prompted debate in both Belgium and France.

According to Nice-Matin, the Manchester City winger’s wife is due in early July in London, around the time of the quarter-finals. Doku, 24, has said he would like to be present if timing allows, while recognising the competing demands of tournament football and noting that the federation is supportive.

In France, TV presenter France Pierron criticised the idea on L’Équipe’s L’Équipe de Choc, arguing a World Cup opportunity should take precedence. Former boxer Brahim Asloum disagreed, calling the birth a unique moment.

La Dernière Heure’s Christophe Franken said Belgium do not want Doku to depart as the schedule tightens after the group stage, though a compromise is being explored. He added the federation is in contact with doctors at the London hospital.

Capped 44 times with seven goals, Doku is considered a crowd favourite and a key one-v-one threat. Defender Brandon Mechele is in a similar situation. Belgium opened with a 1-1 draw against Egypt in Seattle and face Iran on Sunday at 21:00 in Los Angeles, when a win would move them towards the last 16.

Source: Nice-Matin