Former Dutch football international Marco van Basten has been appointed as FIFA Chief Officer for Technical Development.

In his new capacity, van Basten will be heading up all technical areas ranging from football technology innovation to refereeing. The Ajax and AC Milan icon and former coach of Ajax, AZ Alkmaar and the Dutch national team will officially start his new assignment next week.

Today he paid a first visit to the Home of FIFA in Zurich where he was welcomed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and by the Deputy Secretary General (Football) Zvonimir Boban.

“It's a great honour for me to be appointed for this assignment," the 1992 FIFA World Player of the Year said. "I’m very proud to have to opportunity to work in the Home of FIFA, the home of world football. I hope to be able to give my contribution to ensure that football remains the number one sport in the world.

"Football is spectacular and it has to stay spectacular in every sense. We all love this sport. That’s why I will work hard to develop football technically in the way that our sport will give to the fans and the players always emotions and joy."

The hiring of an expert like Marco van Basten is part of President Gianni Infantino’s commitment to put football centre-stage at FIFA.

“Marco Van Basten is football," Infantino said. "Discussing with him the last few months and hearing his visions for the game, knowing of course what he has done for the game, for me it was immediately clear that Marco van Basten is a fantastic asset for FIFA, for the whole technical area of FIFA.

"We have to cherish football, we have to protect football and develop football. Marco is a great expert, not only a legend. There is a lot he can do for football, for the game and around the pitch in the world. I’m extremely happy that he joined our team and I’m sure that he will do a great job.”