NYON: Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is set to take up a role with European football`s governing body as a coaching ambassador, UEFA president Michel Platini said on Friday.

Ferguson, 72, had a record-breaking 26-and-ahalf-year tenure at Old Trafford before retiring at the end of last season after winning his 13th league title with the club.

`Sir Alex will be chairman of the forum of elite coaches that meet every year. He will also be a member of the technical study group of the Champions League and the European Championship, Platini said at an executive committee meeting in Nyon, Switzerland.

`It is an honour and a privilege to accept this role as ambassador for UEFA, said Ferguson.-AFP