Football
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Franck Ribery cannot refuse France call, says UEFA president Michel Platini

Franck Ribery could face a suspension if he refuses to represent his country again, according to UEFA president Michel Platini.

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Ribery announced his retirement from international football after injury ruled him out of this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

However, according to FIFA rules, a player cannot refuse a summons to national duty if there is no physical problem impeding them from doing so.

Ribery's retirement at the age of 31 would therefore be unenforceable should France coach Didier Deschamps still want to select the Bayern Munich winger.

"If Deschamps calls him up, then he has to come to the national team,'' Platini told Bild am Sonntag. "That's written in the FIFA statutes. If he doesn't report for duty, then he would be banned for three matches for Bayern Munich.

"It is not the player's decision whether he represents his country, it's the decision of the coach. Ribery cannot simply decide for himself whether he wants to play for France or not.''

Ribery said ongoing injury concerns were behind his decision to bring an end to his international playing career after 81 caps.

He added that he wanted to devote more time to his family and to Bayern, although Platini cannot understand his decision.

"He's a Frenchman and the European Championship in 2016 is taking place in France, not in Poland,'' Platini said. "He's got to want to play a part in it."

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