WILLEMSTAD – Tensions are rising within the Curaçao national football team as a growing internal dispute has emerged over who should lead the team into its historic debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to reports, part of the players’ group wants former head coach Dick Advocaat to return, but the leadership of the Federashon Futbol Korsou (FFK) is standing firm behind current coach Fred Rutten.
Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad reported that the players’ council held an emotional meeting with FFK president Gilbert Martina, urging him to bring Advocaat back for the World Cup campaign.
Main sponsor Corendon is also said to have pushed for the 78-year-old coach’s return.
Advocaat stepped down in February due to his daughter’s health situation. However, positive reports about her recovery have reportedly circulated within the squad, leading players to renew calls for his comeback.
Advocaat is widely viewed on Curaçao as the architect of the national team’s historic qualification for the World Cup, the first in the island’s history.
Under his leadership, the team developed into a disciplined and tightly united squad, blending experienced international players with a strong Caribbean team identity.
That legacy has given him considerable authority and respect within the dressing room.
Despite that, Martina appears unwilling to reverse course.
When Rutten was appointed earlier this year, the FFK president made it clear that Curaçao could not become dependent on one individual.
He also stressed at the time that Rutten was not an emergency replacement but had long been viewed as Advocaat’s intended successor.
The pressure on the federation has intensified following disappointing performances since Advocaat’s departure.
Curaçao recently lost friendly matches against China and Australia, with the heavy defeat against Australia reportedly hitting the squad particularly hard.
Reports also suggest some players are struggling with changes within the technical staff and the atmosphere around the team.
For Martina and the FFK board, the issue now extends beyond a coaching decision.
A return by Advocaat could restore calm and unity within the squad, but it could also undermine the federation’s authority.
By maintaining support for Rutten, the football federation is making a clear choice for administrative stability—even if that comes with growing internal tensions as Curaçao prepares for the biggest football tournament in its history.