Ronald Koeman has stepped down as Netherlands head coach following the team’s World Cup exit.
The resignation came as it emerged on Tuesday that Dutch players who missed penalties were subjected to racist abuse online.
The Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco in a last-32 shootout after a 1-1 draw in Monterrey. Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville failed to convert their spot-kicks and, according to the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), received discriminatory, racist and hateful messages on social media.
Koeman, 63, leaves during his second stint in charge and hinted he may be ending his managerial career. In an Instagram post, he reflected with pride on his career, expressed deep disappointment at falling short at the World Cup, and said recent years have reinforced that health and family matter more than football—particularly when a loved one faces a serious illness. His wife, Bartina, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The KNVB said it will pursue criminal action against anyone who abused the players, explaining that legal staff review reports to determine if offenses were committed, which can lead to a formal complaint to the Public Prosecution Service and a potential criminal investigation.
England’s Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho faced similar abuse after missing penalties in the Euro 2021 final, cases that resulted in two prison sentences and one suspended sentence. The KNVB added that football is meant to unite people, and discrimination runs counter to everything the sport represents.