Franco Baresi is to join Fulham as director of football from June 1st.
The 42-year-old former Italy and AC Milan defender will take on a range of duties including scouting, recruitment of players, the academy and the development of women's football.
Current manager Jean Tigana will concentrate on his primary responsibility for the first team and in particular player coaching.
Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed told the club's official website: "This is the next step in realising my dream of making Fulham one of the foremost clubs in the world.
"Two years ago I was fortunate enough to attract an international manager with the proven qualities of Jean Tigana and now we have doubly strengthened our team with a man who is not only admired as a world-class footballer but also widely recognised for his knowledge of the game at the highest levels."
PA