Dick Advocaat will not be on the touchline at next summer’s World Cup despite overseeing one of the most remarkable qualification stories in recent history.
The former Sunderland and Rangers manager has chosen to step down for personal reasons after guiding Curacao to the biggest stage.
The veteran coach recently led the island nation to its first ever World Cup, becoming the smallest FIFA country to achieve that feat.
However, family circumstances mean he will not be able to travel to the tournament in the United States.
Dick Advocaat explains why he is stepping aside before the World Cup
Advocaat confirmed that his decision was driven by his daughter’s health problems, making it impossible for him to commit to the upcoming tournament.
“I’ve always said that family comes before football,” Advocaat explained, via Voetbal International.
“So this is a natural decision. But that doesn’t change the fact that I will miss the people there and my colleagues very much.
“I consider qualifying the smallest FIFA country in the world for the World Cup one of the highlights of my career. I’m proud of my players and staff, and the board members who believed in us.”
The nation he leaves behind has been drawn into a challenging group alongside Germany, Ecuador, and the Ivory Coast.
Qualification alone was seen as a landmark achievement, and Advocaat described it as one of the proudest moments of his long managerial career.
Fred Rutten set to manage Curacao at the World Cup
The 63-year-old Fred Rutten will now lead the team at the tournament next summer.
The former PSV, Feyenoord, FC Twente and Schalke manager is stepping into his first role as a national team head coach.
Rutten has already been in close contact with Advocaat in recent weeks to ensure continuity.
“Dick is an icon in the football world,” said Rutten. “It’s truly an honor to continue his work.
“I’ve spoken with Dick and his staff and will continue in his line. It’s sad for Dick, but the team can expect the same commitment from me.”
Rutten will take charge for the first time in March, when the squad travels to Australia for a mini tournament featuring the hosts and China.
His task now is to build on Advocaat’s legacy and guide the side through their historic World Cup campaign.
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