Hiddink has coached at three World Cup finals

Dutch coach Guus Hiddink has withdrawn from the race to lead Ivory Coast at the World Cup in June.

Hiddink is contracted with Russia until 30 June and has signed a deal to coach Turkey that starts in August.

He said taking charge of the Elephants temporarily will affect his commitment his current and future employers.

The Turkish Football Federation has lined up friendly matches against Ireland, Czech Republic and the U.S. at the end of May.

"If I had signed for Ivory Coast, then I would have missed these games and to tell the truth I don't think that is something for me to do," Hiddink said.

"Although I had a great conversation with the federation president and chief executive Jacques Anouma, I myself had already decided not to go.

"It was a decision taken to avoid unnecessary confusion.

"Though I must admit that with the Ivory Coast it has not been easy."

Russia failed to qualify for the World Cup after losing a play-off against Slovenia and Hiddink was hoping to negotiate an early release from his contract to enable him coach the Ivorians.

But a deal could not be reached so Hiddink will stay in charge of Russia until his contract expires.

Frenchman Philippe Troussier and Serbian Ratomir Dukovic remain alternatives for Ivory Coast, while it is believed former England coach Sven Goran Eriksson is also out of the running.

The Ivorians are looking for a coach after dismissing Vahid Halilhodzic, whose future had been in question after his team were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.

Ivory Coast have been drawn in a group with Brazil, Portugal and North Korea at the World Cup and face a tough task to qualify.

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