A report on Wednesday suggested that experienced coach, Guus Hiddink had agreed terms with the Ivorian FA to coach Les Elephants during the World Cup, but Hiddink's agent, Cees van Nieuwenhuyzen, has now denied any such claims.

"The reports claiming that Guus has reached an agreement with the Ivorian Football Association are premature. Both parties are still negotiating," said Van Nieuwenhuyzen to Metro.

"Ivory Coast are determined to appoint Guus as their new head coach, but we have to reach an agreement with the Russian FA first. When we've dealt with the situation with Russia, Guus still has to agree personal terms with the Ivorian FA."

Several reports from Holland suggest that the Russian FA are reluctant to cooperate with Hiddink. They will reportedly only agree to an early termination if the former Chelsea gaffer accepts Russia's financial demands.