Franck Ribery could face a suspension if he refuses to represent his country again, according to UEFA president Michel Platini.
Ribery announced his retirement from international football after injury ruled him out of the World Cup finals.
But according to Platini, 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 said he wanted to devote more time to his family and to Bayern, but Platini cannot understand his choice.
"He's a Frenchman and the European Championships in 2016 are taking place in France, not in Poland," Platini said.
"He's got to want to play a part in it."
Source: PA
