Jeremie Doku Becomes Father Amid World Cup Controversy

Jeremie Doku, a player for the Belgian national football team, became a father after leaving the World Cup to support his wife during childbirth. The Belgian Football Association announced that Doku was allowed to temporarily leave the team following a consultation with medical staff.

He departed before Belgium's match against Iran last Sunday and welcomed a baby boy in London. Doku's decision to leave the team sparked controversy, with some media questioning his priorities, leading to an online backlash against the French sports newspaper L'Équipe for its comments.

Doku had already been ruled out of the match against Iran due to illness and had received appropriate medical treatment. He is expected to rejoin his teammates in Seattle on Tuesday as Belgium prepares for their next match.

The 24-year-old has made a solid but unspectacular start to the tournament, with Belgium needing to secure a win against New Zealand to progress in the World Cup.