Cyprus museum pays tribute to Platini in Guinness bid

A Cyprus museum dedicated to former French football star and UEFA chief Michel Platini is bidding to enter the Guinness World Records book for housing the most sporting memorabilia. The Platini Museum in Mosfiloti village near the southern coastal resort of Larnaca said Monday it had officially recorded 21,137 objects on display in the presence of five Cypriot MPs and officials of the Cyprus Football Association. "A video tour of the museum was recorded on Sunday, which will be sent to the Guinness officials, along with all the paperwork, so the Platini Museum can earn the title of the 'largest collection of sporting memorabilia'," the museum said. Platini himself has visited the museum and its 52-year-old Cypriot owner has legally changed his name to Philippos Stavrou-Platini. The museum is packed with artefacts linked to the footballing legend, such as kits, boots, books and photographs, with some 90 items signed by Platini. The Frenchman had a distinguished career playing in the national team and for Italian giants Juventus. He won the prestigious Ballon d'Or three times, lifted the European Cup with Juventus in 1985 and was a member of the France team crowned European champions in 1984. Platini has been president of European football's ruling body UEFA since 2007. Source: AFP