Hiddink not to coach Ivory Coast at World Cup

Gus Hiddink will not coach Ivory Coast at the football World Cup in South Africa, the Dutchman said in a newspaper column published on Saturday.

Hiddink, 63, said in the De Telegraaf paper that such an engagement would not fit his plans as future Turkey coach, and his commitment to Russia where he is under contract until June 30, DPA reported.

Hiddink said he plans to be at three Turkey friendlies in late May, a time when World Cup teams are already in final preparations for the June 11-July 11 tournament. Turkey and Russia did not qualify.

Another candidate for the Ivory coach job at the World Cup is Frenchman Philippe Troussier, who coached Nigeria at the 1998 World Cup and co-hosts Japan at the 2002 edition.