The Russian Football Union confirmed on...

The Dutchman revealed he would be leaving in a footnote to his weekly column for the Dutch De Telegraaf newspaper, and the impromptu announcement was apparently not coordinated with the Russian Football Union (RFU).

When contacted by journalists on Saturday, RFU director general Alexei Sorokin said the organization would only issue a statement after checking the report.

Within 45 minutes an official statement was issued thanking Hiddink for his work as Russia"s trainer, during which time he invigorated the national side, inspiring them to the semifinals of Euro 2008.

"Guus Hiddink has informed RFU President Sergei Fursenko of his resignation from his post as head coach of Russia after the expiration of his current contract," the press release said. "The management of the RFU expresses to Hiddink its sincere gratitude for the great and good work he has done while head coach of Russia."

The maverick trainer broke the news in one paragraph at the end of his

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