Hours after South Korea sealed their involvement in a ninth successive World Cup, Korea FA officials were denying media reports that Dutchman Guus Hiddink was in line for a sensational return to take over as head coach.
The Taeguk Warriors finished second in Group A on Tuesday after a tense goalless draw in Uzbekistan.
Current coach Shin Tae-Yong was appointed in July for the final two games to replace Uli Stielike, sacked in June after three losses in five previous qualifiers. The deal will see Shin, who led Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma to the 2010 AFC Champions League title, lead the Koreans in Russia next summer.