Ronald Koeman has resigned as Netherlands manager after their World Cup exit, which led to “appalling” racist abuse aimed at players who missed penalties.
Koeman’s side were knocked out by Morocco in a last-32 shootout after a 1-1 draw in Monterrey.
Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville all missed their efforts and were subjected to discriminatory, racist and hateful comments on social media, said the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB).
Koeman, 63, has stepped down from his second spell in charge of the national side and hinted that he may have ended his managerial career altogether.
He said on Instagram, external: “Looking back on my career, I feel especially proud. I have worked with clubs and people that shaped me and gave me memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.
“We all dreamed of a World Cup in which we would write history. That didn’t work out. No-one is more disappointed about that than me.
“The past years have made me realise again that there are more important things than football. Football has been my life, but health is priceless. When someone you love is fighting a tough battle, your perspective changes.”
Koeman’s wife Bartina, external has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The KNVB said it will seek criminal charges against anyone who has abused its players.
“We find this appalling,” the FA said., external
“Once a report is filed, legal staff assess whether the statement constitutes a punishable offence. This can lead to a formal complaint being lodged with the Public Prosecution Service, which may then initiate a criminal investigation.”
England’s Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho suffered abuse after missing penalties in the European Championship final defeat by Italy in 2021.
That led to two people being sentenced to prison and another receiving a suspended sentence.
“Football brings together millions of different people, whereas discrimination does the exact opposite. It therefore runs counter to everything football stands for,” added the KNVB.
