The 46-year-old, who won 51 caps for his country and also played in Germany and England,  will look into the development of goalkeeper 

training and into educational structures, particularly in areas where only basic work is already in place. 

“I am incredibly proud to be able to join what is already a strong and highly qualified team at FIFA,” said Zuberbuhler. 

“It is a dream come true. 

"I would like to thank FIFA’s management for the trust they have placed in me. 

"FIFA takes its responsibilities to education and development very seriously.

"I am absolutely convinced by the new administration’s project, which is why it didn’t take me long to accept the offer. 

"This new management is definitly more focused on football and this makes me feel very comfortable. 

"I am looking forward to the work that lies ahead of me, and even more to playing a part in the development of football around the world.”

“We are delighted that Pascal has accepted our offer,” said FIFA deputy secretary general Zvonimir Boban, himself a former Croatian international of some repute. 

“Zubi can call upon a great deal of experience from his football career, and he is undoubtedly one of the legends of Swiss football. 

"Thanks to his passion for the game, he has a remarkable ability to pass his know-how on to others, whether they are instructors or young goalkeepers.

"FIFA wants to strengthen goalkeeping all around the world and step up education in this area. 

"We have no doubt whatsoever that Zubi will do some excellent work for us, and we welcome him to our team.”

Zuberbuhler played for Grasshopper Club Zurich, Bayer Leverkusen, FC Aarau, FC Basel, West Bromwich Albion, Neuchâtel Xamax and Fulham and played 35 games in the UEFA Champions League. 

He had been working with English Football League club Derby County as a coach until the appointment of Gary Rowett as manager in March. 

Zuberbuhler set a special record at Germany 2006 by becoming the first, and to date only goalkeeper, to have been knocked out of a FIFA World Cup without conceding a single goal. 

As a goalkeeper coach, he has worked for various clubs, including Fulham, BSC Young Boys Berne, Servette FC and Derby. 

He has also been employed as a Swiss football pundit by Swiss pay-TV channel Teleclub since 2013.