While it really shouldn’t be that surprising considering Roman Abramovich’s ties, the Russian Football Union has accepted an official approach from Chelsea FC for National Team Head Coach Guus Hiddink.

Via ChelseaFC 

“Chelsea Football Club can confirm we have officially approached the Russian Football Union (RFU) for permission to speak to Guus Hiddink to become the club’s temporary coach until the end of the season while continuing to be in charge of the Russian national team.

That permission has been granted and Chelsea would like to thank the RFU for their co-operation.”

Via DailyMail 

Guus Hiddink is set to be named as Chelsea’s temporary manager after Russian football chiefs gave their approval for the Dutchman to coach both the Blues and the Euro 2008 semi-finalists.

Russian FA general director Alexei Sorokin said: ‘We don’t see it as a problem. The timetable of the national team allows Guus to combine the two jobs.”

‘I have to admit it’s a complicated situation involving the Russian national team and Chelsea,” Hiddink told Reuters.

There are only two more Russia international matches before the end of the Barclays Premier League season.

‘I must say that this is an exceptional situation. If it was any other club aside from Chelsea my answer would be a straight “No”,’ he said.

‘But Chelsea is different because I have good relations with the (club) owner. So I would like to help them (Chelsea) in this situation if I could.’

Asked if this would involve working as a consultant for Chelsea’s coaching staff, Hiddink said: ‘No, this would be a full managerial role, a day-to-day job.

‘But this would only be for the next two or three months until the end of the season,’ he added.

Image via Smh