Jeremy Doku plans to leave Belgium's World Cup camp for child's birth

Jeremy 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.

Jeremy Doku has become a father, the Belgian football association announced Monday, days after the player's plans to leave the World Cup to be there for the birth sparked controversy.A presenter on L'Equipe TV, the TV channel of the historic French sports newspaper, questioned the decision saying fathers were "useless" at childbirth whereas hundreds of footballers would have killed to play in a World Cup.

French sports broadcaster L'Equipe has apologized after a journalist criticized Belgium's World Cup star Jeremy Doku for his potential return home to be present at the birth of his first child. Manchester City winger Doku, whose wife Shireen is due in July, could miss a knockout game.

Jeremy Doku’s plan to leave Belgium’s World Cup camp for the birth of his first child has turned into one of the tournament’s sharpest family-versus-football debates. The Manchester City winger is preparing for fatherhood while Belgium are still trying to steady themselves in the group stage.

Here's the latest on Doku's status moving forward.

Jeremy Doku could face the kind of World Cup decision no player can fully prepare for: country or the birth of his first child. The Belgium winger is not treating the tournament lightly, but his family situation has created a real dilemma if the timing falls during the knockout rounds.

Winger Jeremy Doku is criticised for saying he wants to leave Belgium's World Cup camp to be with his wife when she gives birth to their first child.

Winger Jeremy Doku is criticised for saying he wants to leave Belgium's World Cup camp to be with his wife when she gives birth to their first child.

Jeremy Doku is facing the kind of World Cup decision that no player can reduce to football alone. Belgium still has work to do before his family plan affects a match.