Michel Platini, head of European soccer, hospitalized after fainting; condition not serious

UEFA boss Platini hospitalized after fainting

JOHANNESBURG — UEFA president Michel Platini will stay in a Johannesburg hospital overnight after collapsing in a restaurant on Friday.

Platini’s special adviser William Gaillard told The Associated Press that Platini fainted, but initial tests at the hospital showed his condition was not serious.

Gaillard said from London that Platini has had flulike symptoms and a mild fever for a few days because of the cold weather in South Africa.

In a statement, FIFA said the head of European soccer’s governing body was taken to a hospital as a precaution.

“Contrary to some media reports, no signs of any heart-related problems have been found and Mr. Platini will be kept overnight for observation as a precautionary measure,” the statement said.

Platini was at the a restaurant in the Michelangelo Towers mall attached to FIFA’s designated hotel.

Platini is a member of the FIFA executive committee and FIFA’s World Cup organizing committee. He was in Johannesburg for the final match between Spain and the Netherlands on Sunday.

The France soccer great, who has led UEFA since 2007, led his team to the World Cup semifinals in 1982 and 1986.