The 59-year-old Dutchman will start his mandate after the end of the World Cup in Germany, where he will lead the national team of Australia.

His contract is reportedly worth 2 million euros(2.4 million US dollars) per year plus bonuses and goes through to Euro 2008 in Switzerland and Austria, with an option to extend to the 2010 World Cup.

Hiddink has had an impressive coaching record, having just led PSV Eindhoven of the Netherlands to its sixth league title.

Besides, he coaches Australia on a part-time basis and took it to its first World Cup in 32 years.

He also led the Netherlands to the semifinals of the 1998 World Cup before guiding South Korea to the same stage four years later.

Hiddink told reporters after the signing ceremony that he is aiming to achieve success again with the Russian team.

"I'm an ambitious coach and I want to be successful here in Russia," said Hiddink."There is a lot of technical potential within Russia's national team and if the players are aware of their potential I think they can increase their level."

Hiddink took over from Yuri Syomin, who resigned in November after his team failed to qualify for the World Cup despite not losing a game with him in charge. Enditem

Editor:

Liu Dan