Costa, who worked as a spokesman for FIFA President Gianni Infantino's successful election campaign, started his role at world football's governing body this week.

He steps in to a position vacated by Jouhaud, who has spearheaded FIFA's communications department since joining the organisation from L'Équipe broadcasting in August 2016.

Jouhaud will "conduct a comprehensive handover process with Onofre until mid-April", FIFA said.

Costa becomes the third head of communications at FIFA in the past four years.

The Portuguese official joins the organisation at a crucial time, with FIFA facing stern opposition from Europe over the revamped Club World Cup.

Infantino is also looking to push through an expansion of the Qatar 2022 World Cup from 32 teams to 48.

Among Costa's first tasks will be to prepare for the FIFA Congress in Paris on June 5, where Infantino is standing unopposed for re-election.

Costa also worked on devising the media strategy for the joint Portugal and Spain bid for the 2018 World Cup, which lost out to Russia.

"We welcome Onofre on board, while expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Fabrice for his years of good services and wishing him success in his future endeavours," FIFA said in a statement.

FIFA added he was a "seasoned executive with extensive experience in the world of football administration".