Dick Advocaat has stepped down as coach of Curaçao due to his daughter's illness. He will be replaced by Fred Rutten. The Curaçao football association announced the news on Monday morning in a press release. "I have always said that family is more important than football," Advocaat said in a statement. "That's why this is an obvious decision." Gilbert Martina, president of the Curaçao football association, has expressed understanding for Advocaat's decision. "His decision deserves nothing but respect. Dick has written history with our national team. Curaçao will always be grateful to him." The 78-year-old Advocaat, who was coach of Feyenoord between 2019 and 2021, has been in charge of Curaçao since January 2024. During that time, he led the team to the top of a group with Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Bermuda, securing Curaçao's first-ever World Cup qualification. The new coach is also a familiar name to Feyenoord. He coached the club in the 2014/15 season and has been without a job since 2023. In the press release, he also reacted to the sad news of his predecessor. "It's a difficult time for Dick and I wish him and his family all the strength. Dick is a global icon in football. It's an honor to continue his work. I have spoken extensively with him and his staff and will follow the same path. Curaçao can expect the same dedication from me."