Absent Platini praised by his pals

Michel Platini won the European Championship in 1984 for France with his inspirational football and his nine goals, and the respect garnered as a player still held him in good stead during Euro 2016, from which he was physically absent.

Platini, banned for eight then six then four years for pocketing the “disloyal” $2million from FIFA on Sepp Blatter’s say-so, had an open invitation from UEFA to attend whatever matches he chose. Instead, depressed by the entire farrago, he barely watched even on TV.

He continues as president of UEFA in title and will remain so until his successor is elected on September 14 at an extraordinary congress in Athens. But while he harbours thoughts of attending to make a valedictory speech, the lawyers will almost certainly advise both him and UEFA that this is out of the question.

Angel Maria Villar, senior vice-president who stood in for Platini in presenting the various end-of-term trophies, was specific while delivering his end-of-Euro address at a news conference. Having thanked everyone who had made Euro 2016 a success – from volunteers to officials to players to even the media – Villar concluded: “This long list of ‘thank-yous’ would not be complete without mentioning the tournament’s one major absentee.

“France’s hosting of UEFA Euro 2016 is down to one man: Michel Platini.

“I’m sure the French people know that. Michel can be proud – very proud – of his Euro. He is in all of our thoughts today and we are grateful to him.”

Acting general-secretary Theodore