Advertisement

Professional footballer criticised for missing World Cup for birth of child - why?

Yesterday, Belgium and Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku arrived back in London for the birth of...

Share this article

15.48 23 Jun 2026


Professional footballer criticised for missing World Cup for birth of child - why?


Listen to this episode


Share this article

15.48 23 Jun 2026


Yesterday, Belgium and Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku arrived back in London for the birth of his first child after catching an emergency flight from Belgium’s World Cup camp.

There was controversy surrounding this as L’Equipe’s France Pierron caused international outrage with her response to this news, saying “You can’t miss a World Cup… You have the chance to participate in a World Cup, and there are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place.”

Should professional footballers be allowed to skip important matches to watch the birth of their child? Or, is it cause for controversy?

Joining Ciara to discuss is John Brewin, Sportswriter, Editor and Broadcaster.


Read more about

The Hard Shoulder

Related Episodes

Winners and Sinners

00:29:16

Winners and Sinners

The Hard Shoulder

00:29:16


How realistic is cancer care o...

00:05:09

How realistic is cancer care outside of hospitals?

The Hard Shoulder

00:05:09


Rural counties are better conn...

00:05:02

Rural counties are better connected in new broadband divide

The Hard Shoulder

00:05:02


Reform officials step down aft...

00:10:07

Reform officials step down after another funding scandal

The Hard Shoulder

00:10:07