Ballon d’Or cancelled for this year due to Covid-19 pandemic

Foot balls prestigious individual award, Ballon d’Or has been cancelled for this year due to covid-19 pandemic disruptions to football calendar.This will be the first time that event will take a break since the trophy is introduced way back in 1956.

Organizers of the Ballon d’Or , The Group L’Equipe released official statement on their website about cancellation.

“As the organizer of the Ballon d’Or, the Group L’Équipe, to which France Football belongs, decided not to award the most prestigious individual trophy there is in 2020.“

Pascal Ferré, editor-in-chief of France Football :

“For the first time since 1956, the Ballon d’Or will take a break. There will be no edition in 2020, because it turns out, after thoughtful consideration, that all the conditions are not met. We believe that such a singular year cannot -and should not- be treated as an ordinary one.

From a sports perspective, two months (January and February), out of the eleven generally required to form an opinion and decide who should lift the trophies, represent far too little to gauge and judge ; without forgetting that the other games were played – or will be played – in unordinary conditions (behind closed doors, with five replacements, Champions League’s Final 8 played in a single game).

Finally, the equity that prevails for this honorary title will not be warranted, especially when it comes to accounting and preparation : all the award seekers will not be in the same boat, some having seen their season cut short. Therefore, how can we establish a fair comparison? To avoid overly convoluted calculations and projections, we chose the least bad of the options.

This decision, which was taken of course with all the Group stakeholders, does not delight us but it seems to be the most responsible one. Protecting the credibility and legitimacy of such an award also means ensuring its flawlessness over time.

The Ballon d’Or will gather again the football big family and enthusiasts in 2021, to relive the happiness that surrounds the ceremonies as we have experienced them in recent years”.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi won the 2019 award, While US women’s National team co-captain Megan Rapinoe took home the Ballon d’Or Feminin.

Ballon d’Or was Created in 1956 by France Football redaction, it has become the most prestigious individual trophy in the world. The greatest football players, such as Zinédine Zidane ,Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, have won it.

Since 2018 season, the Ballon d’Or also rewards the best female football player. The Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best young player also introduced in 2018.The Yachine Trophy, handed to the best goalkeeper introduced in 2019.