Belgium's football federation announced that Jeremy Doku has become a father, days after his plan to temporarily leave the World Cup for the birth sparked debate.
After consulting medical staff, Doku was allowed to briefly leave the Belgian squad before Sunday's match against Iran to join his wife in London. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Praise, the federation confirmed on Monday.
"Jeremy learned that the birth was imminent before yesterday's match," team doctor Brahim Hacene said.
Doku missed Sunday's game due to illness. "Because he had received appropriate medical treatment for several days, he was able to fly without any medical risk to be with his family during this special moment," the doctor added. "Mother, father and baby are all doing well."
Doku is set to rejoin his teammates in Seattle on Tuesday. He is regarded as one of Belgium's most promising young talents, with the team having made a solid if unspectacular start with two draws.
Before the opening match, the 24-year-old made clear he wanted to be present for the birth of his first child, a stance that drew criticism from some quarters.
Controversial comments
A broadcaster for L'Equipe TV, the television arm of France's historic sports newspaper, questioned the decision, stating that fathers are "useless" during childbirth while hundreds of players dream of playing in the World Cup. The remarks sparked an online backlash, forcing L'Equipe to apologise and distance itself. The presenter was temporarily suspended from the programme.
Doku started Belgium's opening match against Egypt but failed to make an impact before being substituted. A goalless draw with Iran in Los Angeles was criticised by Belgian media as a lifeless performance.
Belgium, rebuilding after the "golden generation" showed its age in a group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup, can confidently advance to the last 32 with a win over New Zealand in their final group match on Friday.
