Suspend Totti, argues Platini Tuesday 21 November, 2006
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Juventus legend Michel Platini has suggested that Francesco Totti should be suspended for his continual snubbing of the Italian national side.
The Frenchman – a candidate to be named as the new President of UEFA – believes that no one should be allowed to turn down the opportunity to appear for their country.
“Totti is a great footballer, but he cannot be the one to decide if he must be called up for the national team or not,” said Platini.
“If he is called up and refuses to answer then he should be suspended for two matches according to the international rules.”
Totti has put a halt to his international career by insisting he is not fit enough to play for club and country following his ankle fracture last February.
Although boss Roberto Donadoni has wanted to include him in his plans, Totti says he won’t play for the Azzurri again until the metal plates in his ankle have been removed next year.
Platini was also asked for a reaction to the rumours that Fabio Cannavaro has pipped Juventus ‘keeper Gigi Buffon to the 2006 Golden Ball.
“I have repeated this on several occasions – the players who most deserve the Golden Ball are Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry," said the former Juve player.
“If the award goes to a World Cup winner, Juventus goalkeeper Buffon deserves it most,” explained Platini, who had previously backed the custodian to be the first goalkeeper to win the award since Lev Yashin in 1963.
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Matarrese joins Totti debate Tuesday 21 November, 2006
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Francesco Totti should be punished for refusing a return to the Italy squad when fit, agreed Lega Calcio President Antonio Matarrese.
Michel Platini’s statements have caused controversy in the peninsula, some agreeing with his claims that Totti is flouting the rules by turning down Roberto Donadoni’s calls, others insisting the Roma captain is just looking for his best form so that he can truly be of use to the Azzurri.
“I agree with Platini when he says a player must answer to international call-ups,” said Matarrese at a convention in Bergamo this evening.
“I don’t even know what the problem is holding back Totti. If I can do something to help him and Donadoni, then I’d gladly intervene.”
The player has reiterated he won’t return to international duty until he has fully recovered from his ankle injury, but his form for Roma has been impressive and some are wondering if he’ll ever come back.
Matarrese also had words of criticism for FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who last week stated that Italy should not have beaten Australia on their way to the World Cup Final.
“We know him well,” he smiled bitterly. “He works only for himself and, being a weak man, often contradicts his own comments. I hope one day Italy will have an international presence strong enough so that our representative can look him straight in the eye and say what needs to be said.”
The Lega Calcio chief – a former FIFA vice-President – concluded by looking at Italy’s chances of hosting the Euro 2012 tournament.
“Our stadiums have remained at the same stage they were in Italia ’90 and nothing has been done to improve them. If people are staying away, it’s also because the structures are in a terrible state. The Pisanu laws made it loud and clear, the watchword is security.”
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