The 63-year-old coach was Ivory Coast's preferred choice to manage them during the tournament in South Africa.

His current deal with Russia, whom he could not guide to a World Cup spot, is due to expire on July 15 but he has already agreed to take charge of Turkey.

"Although I had a great conversation with the (Ivorian) federal president and chief executive Jacques Anouma, I myself had already decided not to go," Hiddink said in his column in Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

"It was a decision taken to avoid unnecessary confusion. Though I must admit that with the Ivory Coast it has not been easy."

The Elephants sacked coach Vahid Halilhodzic following their quarter-final exit from the African Cup of Nations at the hands of Algeria.

They were drawn to face Brazil, Portugal and North Korea in Group G of the World Cup.