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World Cup 2026: Curacao manager Fred Rutten steps down just day before tournament begins
TL;DR
Curacao's national team manager Fred Rutten has resigned just a month before the World Cup. The federation is expected to announce his replacement soon, potentially bringing back Dick Advocaat.
Key points
- Fred Rutten stepped down as Curacao's national team manager.
- The resignation comes just a month before the World Cup.
- Dick Advocaat may be reinstated as manager.
- FFK praised Rutten's commitment to the team.
- Rutten's decision aims to protect team stability.
Mentioned in this story
Fred RuttenDick Advocaat
Curacao
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With just a month until the World Cup, there will be a change at the helm for Curacao's national team as manager Fred Rutten stepped down on Monday. The federation is expected to announce its replacement at the helm on Tuesday morning, but with the deadline to name squads ahead of the World Cup looming, reports are stating that they could turn back to the man who got them there, Dick Advocaat, who stepped down shortly after qualifying for the World Cup in November due to his daughter's health.
The federation released a statement about the decision:
The Federashon Futbòl Kòrsou (FFK) announced that Fred Rutten has decided to step down as head coach of the Curaçao national team following constructive discussions with the federation's leadership. Although Rutten himself was not the subject of the discussions, he chose to resign to protect stability and healthy professional relationships within the squad and staff.
"There must not be a climate that harms healthy professional relationships within the team or staff. That is why stepping down is the right decision. Time is pressing and Curaçao must move forward. I regret how things unfolded, but I wish everyone the best," said Fred Rutten.
FFK praised Rutten's professionalism, leadership, and commitment to Curaçao football, emphasizing that he put the team's interests above his own ahead of important upcoming matches.
It's a strange situation for all parties involved, as speaking to CBS Sports in March, FFK president Gilbert Martina described Rutten taking the helm as "the circle of life" because he played a part in how Advocaat got the role in 2023.
"In June 2023, I met with Rutten, and he came back after two weeks and said, 'I discussed it with the queen at home and my daughter and they said dad not yet, you're not healthy mentally and physically, ' and because he had just come from a medical procedure and he said 'Gilbert, if I can advise you of one name, it's Dick Advocaat,'" Martina said about the process of intially getting Advocaat on board.
Q&A
Why did Fred Rutten resign as Curacao's manager before the World Cup?
Fred Rutten resigned to maintain stability and healthy professional relationships within the team, stating it was the right decision given the circumstances.
Who is likely to replace Fred Rutten as Curacao's national team manager?
Dick Advocaat, who previously managed the team, is expected to be named as Rutten's replacement following his resignation.
What impact does Fred Rutten's resignation have on Curacao's World Cup preparations?
Rutten's resignation adds urgency to Curacao's preparations as they need to finalize their squad ahead of the World Cup, which is approaching quickly.
