JOHANNESBURG: French football legend Michel Platini was rushed to hospital in South Africa on Friday but medical checks showed no signs of a heart attack, football governing body FIFA said.

Platini, 55, president of European football`s governing body UEFA since January 2007, complained of feeling unwell while having dinner at Johannesburg`s Le Pigalle restaurant in the Sandton business district.

"He was tired and over-worked. He also has the flu," said close Platini aide William Gaillard. "I have telephoned his secretary, who tells me that he is fine."

"Michel Platini fell ill tonight after developing flu symptoms for the past days. He was hospitalised for tests," FIFA said.

"There are no signs of a heart attack. Mr Platini will remain under observation as a precaution," it added.

"He fell ill while he was seated at table number four," said Le Pigalle waiter Joshua Alexander. "We called a doctor and he was taken to the hospital."

Alexander said Platini had eaten several times at the restaurant.

According to witnesses, a restaurant client gave Platini cardiac massage before a doctor arrived.

Platini, who has been in South Africa since the start of the World Cup on June 11, was taken to the Morningside medi-clinic, its spokeswoman Natalie Jackson said.

He was expected to spend the night at the hospital.

The World Cup ends with the final between the Netherlands and Spain in Johannesburg on Sunday night.

BDST: 0958hrs, July 10, 2010