Koeman steps down after Netherlands exit as KNVB condemns racist abuse

Ronald Koeman has left his role as Netherlands manager following the team’s World Cup elimination by Morocco. The KNVB has also reported racist and discriminatory online abuse directed at players who missed penalties in the shootout.

The Netherlands went out in the last 32 after a 1-1 draw in Monterrey was decided on penalties. Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville were named by the KNVB as players who missed spot-kicks and were then targeted on social media.

The Dutch federation says it intends to pursue criminal action where abusive posts meet the legal threshold. The case again puts football’s recurring problem with online racism in focus, echoing the abuse suffered by England players after the Euro 2021 final.

Koeman’s departure also closes a difficult second spell with the national team. He indicated that family and health priorities are now central to his decision, while BBC analysis described his latest tenure as one that failed to regain the momentum of his earlier period in charge.