Dutch midfielder Paul Beekmans has been released from his contract with A-League side Gold Coast United on compassionate grounds.

The United vice captain has returned to Holland to be with a seriously ill family member.

Beekmans returned home earlier this month to be with his relatives and has told Gold Coast management he will remain there for the foreseeable future.

Gold Coast CEO Clive Mensink said the club was fully supportive of Beekmans’ request and wished him well.

“We were contacted by Paul over the weekend and given the very difficult circumstances he faces with the illness in his family we have agreed to cease his commitments to the club,” Mensink said.

“It is important that Paul remains in Holland so he can focus on what is a very unfortunate and distressing situation.

“Naturally, our thoughts and prayers are with Paul and his family. We are all thinking of him and wish him all the very best during what is an extremely difficult time.”