Alexei Sorokin, general secretary of the Russian Football Association, said: "We would like Guus to become an honorary ambassador of our World Cup campaign.

 

"We feel that his worldwide appeal would greatly enhance our chances to compete with other nations, such as England and Spain."

 

England announced yesterday they will be counting on David Beckham, a vice-president of their bid, among others to help their World Cup campaign.

 

Hiddink, who has also worked in Australia, Holland, South Korea and Spain, has become a cult figure in Russia after last year steering the national team to the European Championship semi-finals for the first time in 20 years.

 

The 62-year-old Dutchman was appointed Chelsea's interim manager in February but returns to his full-time job coaching Russia at the end of May as he bids to guide the national team to the 2010 World Cup finals.

 

Sorokin said the Russian FA would present their plan to Hiddink when he arrives in Moscow to

prepare the squad for next month's World Cup qualifier against Finland.

 

They also plan to appoint other high-profile figures with links to Russia to help back their bid.

 

Russia, who received Government backing for their World Cup campaign this month, face tough competition in their attempt to stage a major championship for the first time.

 

England are the favourites to win the bid to host the 2018 tournament but there are also seven other candidates.

 

They are Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico  and the United States, plus joint bids from Belgium-Netherlands and Spain-Portugal.

 

Qatar and South Korea are only bidding for the 2022 event.