Curacao’s national football team is without a head coach just one month before the start of the World Cup. Dutchman Fred Rutten has resigned, with Dutch media reporting that player pressure was behind the decision. Rutten had been appointed to replace Dick Advocaat, who led Curacao to World Cup qualification and resigned in February for personal reasons. Making their World Cup debut, Curacao are in Group E alongside Germany, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador.
The Curacao Football Federation (FFK) announced Rutten’s departure in a statement on social media. “Rutten decided to resign to maintain stability and healthy professional relationships within the squad and technical staff,” the federation stated.
“There should not be a climate that harms healthy professional relationships within the team or coaching staff. That is why resigning is the right decision. Time is short, and Curacao must move forward. I regret how events unfolded, but I wish everyone the best,” Rutten said.
The FFK praised “Rutten’s professionalism, leadership, and commitment to Curacao football,” highlighting that “faced with important matches ahead, he prioritized the team’s interests above his own.” The federation added, “It is now focused on maintaining calm around the national team and continuing to work towards Curacao’s sporting objectives.”
The FFK has announced that a press conference will be held on Tuesday to explain the situation. They clarified that the final World Cup squad will not be announced at that time.