UEFA president to visit Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ The president of the Union of European Football Associations Michel Platini is to arrive in Mongolia November 9 to pay a one-day visit. Mr Platini (58), a former legendary football player from France, will be a guest of the head of Mongolian Football Federation B.Ganbold. After arriving here by his private airplane, Mr Platini will attend a TV show together with Mongolia’s President Ts.Elbegdorj. During his professional footballing career, Platini played for the clubs Nancy, Saint- Etienne, and Juventus, and was a member of the French national team that won the 1984 European Championship, a tournament in which he was the top goal scorer and voted the best player. He also participated in the 1978, 1982 and 1986 World Cups, reaching the semi-finals in the latter two. Considered one of the best passers in football history as well as one of the best free kick specialists and finishers, he holds the record for most goals (9) scored in European Championship final tournaments despite only appearing in the 1984 edition. Despite being a midfielder, he held the national team top scorer record until striker Thierry Henry surpassed the 41 goals mark in 2007. Platini was named Chevalier of the Legion of Honor on 29 April 1985 and became Officier in 1988. He was the French national team coach for four years, and was the co-organizer of the 1998 World Cup in France. He has been also the chairman of the FIFA Technical and Development Committee and vice-president of the French Football Federation.