Dick Advocaat has stepped down from his position as Curacao manager just four months before the 2026 World Cup, in order to care for his ill daughter.

The 78-year-old guided the Dutch Caribbean nation to become the smallest state to qualify for the prestigious tournament in November. However, he will not be leading his team as they compete for glory at the summer's competition.

According to Dutch outlet AD, the former Sunderland AFC manager has taken the decision to look after his daughter, who is 'experiencing serious health problems.' Meanwhile, Advocaat himself issued a statement explaining his departure.

He said: "I've always said that family comes before football. This is therefore a natural decision. That said, I will greatly miss Curacao, its people, and my colleagues.

"I consider qualifying the smallest nation in the world for the World Cup one of the highlights of my career. I am proud of my players, staff and board members who believed in us."

Following Advocaat's departure, Fred Rutten will assume control of Curacao's first-team. An official statement...