Bayern Munich Star Franck Ribery Right to Make His Own International Decision

The summer of 2014 saw a multitude of star footballers end their respective international careers. Some, such as Xavi, called it quits after finding themselves no longer able to produce on the highest level at the World Cup in Brazil. Others, such as tournament-winner Philipp Lahm, decided to go out on a high note.

Although Xavi (34) and Miroslav Klose (36) had little left in the tank when they retired, others hung up their international boots at a time when they still had something left to offer. Lahm is not yet 31; his Germany teammate Per Mertesacker is still short of 30. In addition to the pair, Franck Ribery (31) announced his retirement from the French national team before he hit the near-inevitable, sharp decline that comes with advanced age.

Although the loss of Lahm and Mertesacker came with no protest from the German camp, UEFA President Michel Platini did not take Ribery's decision very well. In a recent interview with Bild (h/t ESPN), the France legend claimed that Ribery is obligated to represent his country if called upon.

"If [France coach Didier] Deschamps calls him up, then he has to come to the national team," the UEFA president said.

Platini claimed legal support for his assertion and went as far as claiming that Ribery could be suspended from competition at Bayern Munich if he refuses to turn out for the French team:

"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's understandable that Platini would be disappointed in his compatriot. Euro 2016 will be hosted in France, and the UEFA president naturally would prefer to have the best French player since Zinedine Zidane turn out for the tournament on home soil. The way Platini has expressed his opinion, however, is foolish and unprofessional.

Lionel Cironneau/Associated Press

Whether legally right or wrong, Platini's words set a dangerous precedent. As UEFA president, it's his responsibility to oversee the administration of football in Europe. His position is highly public and requires him to stay removed from petty matters, especially those involving his homeland.

Any conflict over Ribery's international retirement should be an internal matter, to be discussed by the player and Deschamps. If the two are unable to come to a mutually satisfactory conclusion, Deschamps can privately consult Platini and possibly move towards sanctioning Ribery at club level. Only when sanctions are prepared would it be right for Platini to speak. Indeed, Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge later told Bild (h/t Goal.com) that the matter between Ribery and Platini was already privately settled.

To interject as he has is highly unprofessional of Platini and unbecoming of a man who holds the position of the UEFA presidency.

As Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc claimed in the same Bild article that quoted Rummenigge, players "are not serfs to their federations." Ribery made his decision to retire from the international game and focus on his career at Bayern, which he apparently values more. Platini's apparent disappointment in Ribery could easily be redirected toward the French Football Federation for not inspiring its biggest star to continue his international career.

Any law attempting to force footballers to play for their respective national teams will inevitably result in conflict if implemented, and it could easily turn ugly. What to do if a player's retirement is accepted by one coach and then, a year later, a different coach of the same national team decides he wants the player back and the player refuses? What if a player claims to be nursing a slight injury and is deemed fit by his national team physios? What if a young player eligible to play for multiple countries refuses a request from one nation while he decides to hold out for another or take more time to decide where to pledge his allegiance?

The reality is that, despite any contractual agreements that tie players to national teams, international football is ultimately a matter of pride and passion. Clubs pay the players and it's for the clubs that footballers play the vast majority of their games. International friendlies, qualifiers and major tournaments are just that little bit extra.

If Platini felt Ribery was letting down his country, the UEFA president should have taken that issue up with the player privately. To have come out publicly was impetuous and did his name and position a disservice.

Regardless of legality, in the end, Ribery's decision was always his to make. He should be credited for standing his ground.

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