UEFA has appointed Alex Ferguson to oversee its coaching programs.

UEFA President Michel Platini says the former Manchester United manager will be chairman of its elite club coaches' conference held each September.

Ferguson says "it is an honor and a privilege to accept this role."

Ferguson retired last May after 27 years as United coach after winning his 13th Premier League title. He is now a director on the club board.

The 72-year-old Scotsman won 38 trophies while at Old Trafford including the Champions League in 1999 and 2008.