Platini returns to the scene as an advisor to the president of the FIFPro union

In October he had completed his four-year sanction for the unjustified collection of 1.8 million euros by Blatter.

The former UEFA president, Michel Platini, has become the personal advisor of Philippe Piat, president of FIFPro, as confirmed by the football players' own union. Last October the four years of sanction with which the Juventus midfielder was convicted of a charge of 1.8 million euros by FIFA that he could not justify was fulfilled.

“Taking into account his aura, his personal aptitudes, knowledge and functions he has occupied, he is someone important who will be heard at the highest level,” said Piat, 77, without ruling out that in the future he will succeed in office. Platini's appointment had been advanced a few days ago by the newspaper L'Equipe.

In December 2015, Platini was suspended from “any activity linked to football” for eight years for receiving 1.84 million euros from the then president of FIFA, Joseph Blatter. His suspension was reduced to six years on appeal and later to four by the Arbitration Court of Sport (TAS).

The horizon from 2022

Platini, 64, always defended that this money settled a debt dating from the previous decade. In any case, that controversial chapter frustrated his attempt at succession of Blatter, although he was emerging as a favorite in the 2016 FIFA elections.

“He was very supportive of the players. When he was president of UEFA he imposed his point of view, because he was Michel Platini and the big clubs listened to him,” added Piat, who ends his term in 2022 and has already announced that he will not return present.

The Frenchman spoke of the possibility of Platini himself succeeding: “It is premature! There is no opposition between my departure and the eventual candidacy. There are no divergent interests. We will see how things evolve.”