WILLEMSTAD (DA) — Curaçao’s Football Federation (FFK) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB), formalizing a relationship both sides said has grown stronger in recent months.
FFK president Gilbert Martina and KNVB president Frank Paauw signed the memorandum of understanding in Curaçao on Feb. 26, closing a three-day visit by a KNVB delegation that also included secretary-general Gijs de Jong.
The agreement builds on a relationship that already existed between the two federations and, according to FFK, gained new momentum after the recent appointments of Martina and FFK secretary-general Jan Peter Dogge. Talks in recent months led to the push for a formal partnership.
“We are honored by this long-term cooperation with KNVB,” Martina said. “We are convinced this cooperation adds value to the development of our football.”
Paauw also framed the deal as a natural step between two federations in the same kingdom.
“FFK and KNVB are respected football associations that are part of the same Dutch kingdom,” Paauw said. “We are pleased to confirm and strengthen the relationship, both formally and informally.”
Both federations plan to share knowledge and experience and support each other where possible. The first focus areas are coach education and referee training.
The partnership also includes competition organization, infrastructure development, women’s football and youth football.
The agreement comes as both countries prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Curaçao secured a place in the tournament’s final round in November for the first time, and with 156,000 inhabitants, it will be the smallest country competing for the title.
FFK said the cooperation fits directly within its 2025-2029 strategic goals, especially its push to strengthen football capacity on the island.