FIFA have confirmed the appointment of Marco van Basten as chief officer for technical development.
- By Michael Bell
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The former Dutch international leaves his position as an assistant with the Netherlands national team to take up a new role with FIFA. Van Basten officially starts his new job next week, which will involve looking after all technical areas in the game, including referee’s to technological enhancement.
Van Basten said in a statement, “It’s a great honour for me to be appointed for this assignment. 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.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino added, “Marco Van Basten is football.
“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.”