Platini Joins Players' Union FIFPro For First Job Since Suspension

Former UEFA President Michel Platini will join world soccer players’ union FIFPro as an “advisor” to President Philippe Piat. The appointment marks Platini’s first job in soccer since his four-year suspension from “all football activity” '15. Piat said he chose Platini because of his "influence" in the world of football and his "pro-player" stances while serving as UEFA President from '07-15. Platini's return has prompted speculation that the appointment may be setting the stage for a run at the FIFPro presidency after Piat's term ends in two years. Piat has already confirmed that he "will not run" in the next election. Piat said of Platini succeeding him, "That's premature. ... We need to see how things go" (LE PARISIEN, 1/23).