'Disgusting and Reprehensible Situation' Surrounding Dick Advocaat and Fred Rutten with Curaçao

Pulse Sports Team 16:21 - 12 May 2026

Dick Advocaat's return as Curaçao's national coach hasn't been met with universal acclaim. The president of the World Cup debutant's football association had stood firmly behind Advocaat's replacement, Fred Rutten, before the weekend, but faced opposition from framing in Dutch media and subsequently had no choice but to turn everything upside down a month before the start of the tournament.

Curaçao Football Federation president Gilbert Martina addressed what he called a "disgusting and reprehensible situation" during a press conference on Tuesday morning (local time) in Curaçao. He stated that recent reports in the Dutch press regarding the players' stance on national coach Fred Rutten were inaccurate. "Those statements attributed to players are not based on the truth."

"After it became known that Advocaat's daughter was recovering, a very negative campaign was launched in the press, portraying Rutten in a bad light," Martina said. "Players have denied those negative statements." Rutten called Martina on Sunday to say it was best for him to step down. Martina regretted this decision and called Advocaat on Monday, leading to an agreement on Tuesday for his return as head coach of the World Cup participant.

'To prevent that, he resigned now'

"Rutten said that if Curaçao were to lose an exhibition match against Scotland at the end of the month, there was a high chance a major discussion would erupt shortly before the World Cup. To prevent that, he resigned now," Martina explained Rutten's reason for withdrawing. He emphasized during the press conference that "the board determines who the national coach is, no one else."

Players' Role

Martina also addressed a question from the ANP (Dutch Press Association) during the press conference regarding the players' role. "The players have denied the negative stories in the Dutch media. However, in discussions with the FFK, they did indicate that there were areas they wanted to see improved. This was in response to the trip to Australia, where the team lost to China and Australia. Things happened there that I will not elaborate on, but which the players felt could be better. These are points we can work on. The players did not ostracize Rutten, as was suggested in the Dutch press. In fact, in discussions with us, they stated that whoever is in charge during the World Cup, they will give 100 percent."

The Curaçao squad is expected to be announced this coming Friday.