World Cup participants release unusual statement as head coach resigns after two games

Just two and a half months into his tenure as head coach of the Curaçao National Football Team, and 34 days from the nation’s first-ever FIFA World Cup game against Germany, Fred Rutten has resigned.

The news of the former Eredivisie and Bundesliga boss’s departure was announced on Monday, with the Federashon Futbòl Kòrsou (FFK) stating that his decision was made “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.”

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In a statement, the 63-year-old Dutchman said, “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.”

The FFK’s press release went on to add that they “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.

“FFK’s board will decide on next steps today. The federation’s focus is now on maintaining calm around the national team and continuing to build toward Curaçao’s sporting ambitions.”

What’s more, the FKK plans to hold a press conference on Tuesday to delve deeper into Rutten’s tenure, after he took over following countryman Dick Advocaat’s resignation to help his ailing daughter, having guided Curaçao to its maiden World Cup.

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“I've always said that family comes before football,” Advocaat said at the time, via Reuters. “This is therefore a natural decision. But that doesn't change the fact that I will miss Curacao, the people there, and my colleagues very much.

“I consider qualifying the smallest country in the world for the World Cup one of the highlights of my career. I'm proud of my players, staff, and the board members who believed in us.”

The FFK’s statement also added that Curaçao’s squad selection will not yet be made, with FIFA’s deadline for the submission of each World Cup participant's 26-player roster set for June 1 at the latest.

Rutten, who made one appearance for the Dutch national team during his 13-year playing career, all spent at FC Twente, was in charge of Curaçao for just two games, losing 2-0 to China and 5-1 against Australia.

Next up is a friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park on May 30 in what will be their final friendly before the World Cup. Drawn into Group E, they will start off proceedings against Germany at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on June 14. They will then face Ecuador at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on the 21st, before closing out the group stage four days later against the Ivory Coast at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.