News

Ghana’s Sports Minister Doku Keeps Mum on World Cup Criticism

Ghana's Sports Minister Doku faces criticism over the country's poor performance in the World Cup, but remains tight-lipped about the issue.

Share this article
Doku ‘not against’ journalist who criticised him at World Cup

Ghana's Sports Minister Doku Keeps Mum on World Cup Criticism

World Cup Drama Follows Ghanaian Player Jeremy Doku

Ghanaian Sports Minister, who is also a former professional footballer, has remained tight-lipped about the World Cup criticism he faced when he left the Belgium camp to attend the birth of his child. Jeremy Doku, a 24-year-old winger for Manchester City, made headlines when he left the team's World Cup camp to be with his wife, Shireen, in the UK.

Doku's decision to leave the camp, despite Belgium's still being in contention, drew fierce criticism from French journalist France Pierron, who called a father "completely useless" at the time of their child's birth. However, L'Equipe later apologised and said Pierron's comments were "very far removed" from its values.

L'Equipe Presenter Apologises for Criticism

France Pierron, a presenter on the French sports channel L'Equipe, faced backlash after labelling a father "completely useless" at the time of their child's birth. Pierron's comments sparked outrage on social media, with many accusing her of being insensitive and judgmental. However, L'Equipe later apologised for Pierron's comments and said they were "very far removed" from its values.

Pierron also apologised for her comments, but she was taken off air until the end of the season of her show. Doku's decision to leave the camp to be with his wife was widely seen as a personal choice, but it sparked a heated debate about the role of fathers in modern society.

Doku Speaks Out on Criticism

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Doku addressed the criticism he faced and expressed his understanding of why some people questioned the timing of his decision. "There was a lot of noise, of course," Doku said. "I can understand why people felt like maybe this was orchestrated because it was too perfect."

Doku also defended Pierron, saying he didn't want people to be too harsh on her. "We don't know what she has experienced," Doku said. "It's her opinion. She just said her opinion." Doku's comments were seen as a olive branch to those who had criticized him and Pierron.

A New Chapter for Doku and His Family

Doku's decision to leave the camp to be with his wife marked a new chapter in his life as a father. His son, Praise, was born in the UK, and Doku has spoken about the joy of becoming a father. Despite the criticism he faced, Doku's decision to prioritize his family was widely seen as a positive one.

As for what happens next, Doku's focus will likely remain on his family and his career as a professional footballer. The World Cup drama may have died down, but it has left a lasting impact on the Ghanaian sports community.


Source: Joy Online