Jeremy Doku has been backed by the football community after L'Équipe apologised for presenter France Pierron's comments criticising his decision to leave the World Cup for the birth of his child.
What happened?
The Belgian footballer had stated his intention to leave the tournament to be present at the birth of his first child, due in July.
L'Équipe presenter France Pierron sparked outrage with her remarks, saying it was a "disgusting moment" for a father to attend the birth of their child.
Why it matters for Jeremy Doku
Doku's decision was supported by the Belgian football federation, with team doctor Brahim Hacene stating that the player had made it back to London in time for the birth.
The player's wife, Shireen, gave birth to a boy called Praise on Monday, with Doku set to rejoin the squad on Tuesday evening.
What comes next?
The apology from L'Équipe came after widespread criticism of Pierron's comments, with many in the football world backing Doku's decision.
Retired boxer Brahim Asloum, a commentator for L'Équipe, described the birth of a child as a singular, once in a lifetime moment, saying "a baby is your entire life".
Pierron eventually apologised for her remarks, stating that they were solely her own and did not reflect the views of L'Équipe.
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the role of fathers in childbirth and the importance of family in football.
Doku, who plays for Manchester City, had previously stated that he would want to be present at the birth of his child, saying "nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child".
The Belgian football federation has supported Doku's decision, with the player set to rejoin the squad in Seattle on Tuesday evening.
As of Monday, Doku's wife Shireen had given birth to a healthy baby boy, with the player expected to return to the World Cup soon.
The incident has highlighted the challenges faced by footballers in balancing their personal and professional lives.
Doku's decision to prioritize his family has been widely praised, with many seeing it as a positive example for other players.
The World Cup is set to continue, with Belgium's next match scheduled for later this week.
Doku's return to the squad will be a welcome boost for the team, who are looking to make a strong run in the tournament.
The player's experience has sparked a wider conversation about the importance of family in football, with many calling for greater support for players with young families.
As the World Cup continues, Doku's story will be one to watch, with the player set to balance his football career with his new role as a father.