Doku 'not against' journalist who criticised him at World Cup

What the report says

Jeremy Doku has said he bears no ill feeling toward the journalist who criticised his decision to leave Belgium’s World Cup camp for the birth of his first child. In comments published by BBC Sport, the Manchester City winger said he understood that the timing of his departure had prompted questions, but he wanted to avoid joining in the backlash against the presenter involved.

According to the BBC, Doku had previously said before the tournament that he would return home if his wife went into labour, even if Belgium were still competing. The criticism came after L’Equipe channel presenter France Pierron described a father as “completely useless” at the moment of a child’s birth. The broadcaster later apologised, saying the remarks were far removed from its values, and Pierron also apologised.

Doku eventually missed Belgium’s group-stage draw against Iran to travel back to the UK for the birth of his son, Praise. The BBC noted that Belgium later said he travelled to London with team approval and accompanied by a doctor. The episode drew wider attention because it touched on the balance between elite sport and family life, and how public figures are judged when personal and professional commitments overlap.