Doku’s childbirth stance turns football’s focus to family leave

Jeremy Doku has said he wants to leave Belgium duty to attend the birth of his first child if the timing clashes with the World Cup. The Manchester City winger has received support from across football after televised criticism of that wish drew apologies from L’Equipe and presenter France Pierron.

Doku’s family situation could overlap with the later stages of Belgium’s tournament. He featured in Belgium’s draw with Egypt and missed the Iran match through illness, while his partner is expected to give birth in the second week of July.

The response has highlighted a wider gap in football’s structures. FIFA rules include defined maternity leave for female players, but the men’s game has no equivalent specific paternity provision, leaving decisions to players, federations and clubs on a case-by-case basis.

Support for Doku from figures including Ollie Watkins, the Professional Footballers’ Association and the Fatherhood Institute points to a broader shift in expectations. The debate is no longer simply about availability for a match, but about whether elite sport can make room for major family moments without treating them as distractions.