26 Jun 2026
Benevento looking for offensive reinforcements: first contacts for Ruocco from Mantova
Benevento seeks to strengthen its attack after promotion to Serie B, focusing on Francesco Ruocco from Mantova.
All News
21 June 2026 Updated: 26 June 2026
World Cup 2026: Jeremy Doku criticized for plan to leave Belgium retreat due to birth of son
Jeremy Doku faces criticism for his plan to leave Belgium's World Cup retreat to attend the birth of his first child, sparking a debate over parental duties versus professional commitments.
Winger Jeremy Doku has been criticized for saying he wanted to leave Belgium's World Cup retreat to attend the birth of his first child. Doku's wife Shireen is due to give birth in the second week of July and the Manchester City footballer plans to return home even if the Red Devils are still in the competition, which would mean reaching the quarter-finals. "It's my first child, so I definitely want to be there," the 24-year-old told Reuters. "If you ask me what I want, my answer is that no one would want to miss the birth of their first child. But I also know that football involves many other considerations. I know that the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We will see what we can do." However, Doku's plan to leave the United States and return home drew strong criticism from L'Equipe channel presenter France Pierron, who called a father "completely useless" at the time of the birth of his own child. "The World Cup is an incredible joy," he wrote in a message posted on the Facebook page of the French sports publication L'Equipe. "There are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your shoes. It may never happen again in your life. You are living a childhood dream, yet you go away to witness the birth of your son - a disgusting moment, if I may use the expression, in which the father is completely useless." Doku received a lot of support online after Pierron's comments, including from retired boxer Brahim Asloum, who won the light flyweight gold medal for France at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. "A child is your whole life. A World Cup ends when it ends," he wrote. Pierron later released a statement on his X page to try to explain his comments and apologize for any offense caused. "I was expressing a personal opinion, in the context of a controversial exchange," he said. "I understand that it may have shocked, hurt or affected some of you, and I am sorry for that. My intention was never to minimize the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child." Belgium confirmed on Saturday that Doku will miss their second group match against Iran due to illness. Rudi Garcia's team drew their opening match against Egypt 1-1.
Related Articles
- Jameis Winston Tận Hưởng Hành Trình World Cup 2026
- ਵਿਸ਼ਵ ਕੱਪ 2026: 68 ਸਾਲਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ 100 ਗੋਲਾਂ ਦੀ ਤੇਜ਼ੀ ਨਾਲ ਪਹੁੰਚ - ਨਵੀਂ ਫਾਰਮੈਟ ਦੇ ਅਸਰ?
Related Articles
26 Jun 2026
Cyle Larin scores his second FIFA World Cup™ goal, giving Canada the lead against Qatar
Cyle Larin's goal allows Canada to take the lead in their match against Qatar during the FIFA World Cup.
26 Jun 2026
Ajax signs the young Moroccan defender
Ajax have reached an agreement with Fouad Zahouani, a young defender from Union Touarga Sportif, who will join Jong Ajax.