Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has moved to rescue Russia's World Cup bid, it has been revealed.
The Mail on Sunday says Abramovich is paying former Russia coach Guus Hiddink £2million to stave off legal action that could have damaged Russia's 2018 World Cup bid.
Hiddink had threatened to sue the Russian Football Union because he had not been paid this year.
Russia failed to qualify for the World Cup after losing to Slovenia in last November's play-offs and Abramovich, who bankrolled Hiddink's wages, stopped paying the Dutchman.
Hiddink claimed he was entitled to his £1.5m-a-year salary and bonuses - even though he oversaw only one game in 2010 - under the terms of his contract, which ended last month.
