Hiddink wants to end his Russia contract

Outgoing Russia coach Guus Hiddink wants to end his contract with the Russian FA as soon as possible so he can consider an offer to coach Ivory Coast at this year's World Cup, his adviser said yesterday.

"I hope his contract situation would be settled before the end of this month or even sooner," Cees van Nieuwenhuizen told Reuters by telephone from Amsterdam.

Hiddink's contract with Russia expires on July 15, and he is set to start as Turkey's new coach from August 1.

Van Nieuwenhuizen confirmed that Hiddink had been approached by Ivory Coast to lead the African team at this year's World Cup but the Dutchman must first release himself from his obligations with the Russian FA (RFU).

"We must be fair to the Ivory Coast and give them a definite answer in the next couple of weeks," van Nieuwenhuizen told reporters. "But we can't do anything until we sort out his Russia's contract."

Media reports say Ivory Coast, who sacked coach Vahid Halilhodzic last month, have offered Hiddink a two-month contract, starting on May 15.