Ronald Koeman resigned as Netherlands coach following their World Cup exit, leading to “horrible” racist abuse directed at players who missed penalties.
Koeman’s side lost to Morocco on penalties in the round of 16 after a 1-1 draw in Monterrey.
Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crisencio Summerville failed to implement their efforts and were subject to discriminatory, racist and hateful comments on social media, the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) said.
Koeman, 63, has walked away from his second spell in charge of the national team and hinted that he may be done with his coaching career altogether.
He announced this on Instagramexternal: “Looking back at my career, I feel especially proud. I have worked with clubs and people who have shaped me and given me memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
“We all dreamed of a World Cup where we would write history. It didn’t work. Nobody is more disappointed by this than I am.”
“Recent years have made me realize again that there are more important things than football. Football was my life, but health is priceless. When someone you love fights an uphill battle, your outlook changes.”
Koeman Bartina’s wifeexternal she is diagnosed with breast cancer.
The KNVB said it would seek criminal charges against anyone who abused its players.
“We find this appalling,” the FA said.external
“Once an application is filed, lawyers assess whether the application constitutes a punishable offense. This could lead to a formal complaint being filed with the prosecutor’s office, which could then initiate a criminal investigation.”
England players Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho were abused after missing penalties in the 2021 European Championship final defeat to Italy.
As a result, two people were sentenced to prison, and another received a suspended sentence.
“Football brings together millions of different people, while discrimination does exactly the opposite. Thus, this is contrary to everything that football symbolizes,” the KNVB added.