Dutch great Marco van Basten takes on Fifa role

Former Dutch striker Marco van Basten has been appointed as Fifa’s chief officer for technical development.

The world’s governing body said the three-time Balon d’Or winner and 1992 world player of the year would be “heading up all technical areas ranging from football technology innovation to refereeing” when he starts work next week.

Van Basten, 51, met Fifa president Gianni Infantino and deputy secretary general (football) Zvonimir Boban in Zurich to discuss his appointment on Friday.

“It’s a great honour for me to be appointed for this assignment,” said the former Holland coach.

“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.”

Infantino hailed the arrival of the former AC Milan and Ajax favourite.

"Marco Van Basten is football," he said. "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."