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Football World Cup debutants Curaçao have parted company with head coach Fred Rutten just one month before the tournament kicks off, the federation confirmed today.
Curaçao, who are the smallest nation by population ever to compete at the World Cup and stunned the football world by qualifying, going undefeated asthey topped their Concacaf (North American) qualifying group, appointed Rutten in February after predecessor Dick Advocaat stepped down for personal reasons.
However, a statement from the Curaçao Football Federation (FFK) posted on Instagram said Rutten, 63, had resigned following “constructive discussions” amongst federation leaders.
The statement did not give specific reasons for the Dutchman’s departure, with the coach quoted as saying he had resigned to protect stability in the national team set-up.
“There must not be a climate that harms healthy professional relationships within the team or staff,” Rutten said.
“That is why stepping down is the right decision. Time is pressing and Curacao must move forward. I regret how things unfolded, but I wish everyone the best.”
Under Rutten, Curacao suffered two comprehensive friendly defeats in March, losing 5-1 to fellow World Cup qualifiers Australia and 2-0 to China.
There was no immediate word on who would now replace Rutten as coach for the World Cup, where the tiny former Dutch colony has been drawn in a daunting Group E against Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast.
The federation said it would “decide on next steps” later on Monday (local time).
“The federation’s focus is now on maintaining calm around the national team and continuing to build toward Curacao’s sporting ambitions,” the statement said.
The federation said a press conference had been scheduled for Tuesday (local time) which would provide “further explanation regarding developments” following Rutten’s appointment in February and leading to his departure three months later.
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