Family drama stops Dick Advocaat: he will not go to the World Cup with Curaçao

There are more important things in life than soccer: 78-year-old Dick Advocaat has resigned as Curaçao’s technical commissioner with immediate effect. The Dutch coach was forced to make this decision for family reasons. His daughter is seriously ill and he wants to be by her side during this difficult time. Fred Rutten will take his place and lead the Caribbean selection at next summer’s World Cup.

The ‘Little General’ had written history by qualifying Curaçao for the World Cup to be played in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The island is the smallest country to have ever participated in a World Cup finals. The Antilles were placed in a group with Germany, Ecuador and the Ivory Coast. Advocaat could have also made history as the oldest ever technical commissioner at a World Cup, but that will not be the case. “I have always said that family comes before soccer – pointed out the former coach of the Netherlands, South Korea and Belgium, among others.” So this is a decision that was made naturally. However, this does not mean that I will not miss Curaçao, its people and my colleagues. I consider the qualification of the smallest FIFA-affiliated country to the World Cup as one of the most important moments of my career. I am proud of my players, staff and managers who believed in us.”

In addition to Advocaat, assistant coach Cor Pot and team doctor Casper van Eijck are also leaving. Rutten will take his own assistant with him, but other staff members, such as press officer Kees Jansma, goalkeeping coach Raymond Mulder and team manager Wouter Jansen will remain in place instead.

Aldo Seghedoni

“Dick is an icon in the world of soccer – said new technical commissioner Fred Rutten -It is truly an honor to continue his work. I have spoken with Dick and his staff, and I will continue along the line he outlined. It is a sad situation for Dick, but Curaçao can expect the same commitment from me.” Advocaat’s successor will lead Curaçao’s selection for the first time in March, when his boys take part in a friendly tournament in Australia alongside the host Socceroos and China.

Dutchman from Wijchen, Rutten has previously sat on the benches of Twente, PSV Eindhoven, Schalke 04, Vitesse, Feyenoord, Al-Shabab, Maccabi Haifa and Anderlecht: now he has a chance to relaunch his career.