BERLIN: UEFA president Michel Platini has threatened compatriot and now-retired former France playmaker Franck Ribery with a suspension, according to Sunday’s version of Bild newspaper.

Bayern Munich winger Ribery announced his retirement from France duty after the World Cup in Brazil, which he missed due to a back injury.

But Platini now claims the 31-year-old will have no choice but to continue playing for his country if selected.

“Franck cannot decide himself whether he plays for France,” said the former France star and coach. “If [coach] Didier Deschamps picks him, he must come. That’s the FIFA rule.

“If he doesn’t come, he will be suspended for three Bayern Munich games.”

There is a FIFA rule in place which forces players to accept national team call-ups to prevent them — or rather their clubs — from picking and choosing which internationals they play.

But national teams usually respect a player’s decision to retire from international duty.

Published in Dawn, September 8th, 2014