Veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat has resigned as head coach of Curacao national football team just three months after guiding the team to their first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification.
The 78-year-old stepped down from the role to focus on his daughter’s health, according to an official statement released on Monday.
His departure comes less than four months before Curacao’s historic debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Caribbean nation is set to become the smallest country ever to feature in the tournament.
Advocaat, who has previously managed clubs such as Rangers F.C., Sunderland A.F.C. and Fenerbahce S.K., described the decision as a natural one, stressing that family must always come first.
He will be succeeded immediately by fellow Dutch coach Fred Rutten.
Curacao have been drawn in a challenging group alongside Germany national football team, Ecuador national football team and Ivory Coast national football team for this year’s tournament.
Source: 3news
