Leading soccer coach Guus Hiddink, who last month guided Australia to the second round of the World Cup finals, is to face charges of tax fraud in the Netherlands.

A spokeswoman for the Dutch public prosecutor's office confirmed on Wednesday prosecutors had launched legal proceedings against Hiddink although she did not specify what charges the Dutchman would face.

An initial hearing will take place on September 15th and Hiddink's accountant will also face charges, she added.

The 59-year-old, who has also led the Netherlands and South Korea to past World Cup semi-finals, has just started his new job as Russia's first foreign manger.

He left Dutch club PSV Eindhoven at the end of last season.

Dutch media reported the case centres on Hiddink allegedly claiming Belgian residence to avoid paying higher taxes in the Netherlands.

Hiddink has denied any wrongdoing since the allegations first came to light last October.