Platini released from hospital

Published: 10 Jul 2010 - 09:30:55

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Michel Platini was released from hospital on Saturday morning following his collapse in a Johannesburg restaurant on Friday night.

The UEFA president fainted in the restaurant and was taken to hospital by ambulance. Tests have shown there to be no problems. Platini has been suffering from flu for the last few days.

FIFA and UEFA said in a joint statement: "Michel Platini, UEFA president, was released at 9am (Saturday) morning from the hospital in Johannesburg where he was admitted after feeling unwell. All the medical tests conducted were normal and Mr Platini is looking forward to attending the final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Soccer City stadium."

Early reports suggested Platini had suffered a heart attack, but they were quickly denied by UEFA.

"Contrary to some media reports, no signs of any heart-related problems have been found," UEFA said last night.

It is believed Platini had been dining with fellow Frenchman Gerard Houllier and former Scotland manager Andy Roxburgh.

Platini, 55, was a star player for the France national team, who he represented from 1976 to 1987.

He later coached France before moving into sports administration, and in 2007 succeeded Lennart Johansson as president of UEFA, European football's controlling body.