The Belgian football federation, the KBVB, today received a signed contract from the Dutchman.

The former Holland coach, who also had a spell in Scotland with Rangers, starts work with the Belgian national team at the end of this year when his contract with Russian side Zenit St Petersburg expires.

Advocaat succeeds Rene Vandereycken, who was sacked after a series of poor results in Belgium's World Cup qualifying campaign.

Advocaat was contracted to be Australia's head coach 18 months ago but did a U-turn on the deal at the last moment and was replaced by Pim Verbeek.