The 62-year-old Dutchman, who last month unexpectedly resigned as coach of Belgium barely six months after taking the role, confirmed four weeks ago that he had been approached by the Russian federation with a view to succeeding compatriot Guus Hiddink.

"Dick Advocaat will be appointed head coach of the Russia national side," Russian federation president Sergei Fursenko said.

Advocaat's international coaching CV also includes spells in charge of Holland, twice, the United Arab Emirates and South Korea, while he has also guided Rangers and PSV Eindhoven and spent three successful years in Russia with Zenit St Petersburg.

Hiddink led Russia to the semi-finals at Euro 2008 but his team failed to qualify for this summer's World Cup finals in South Africa. He will vacate the post when his contract expires on June 30.