The Ballon d’Or has been scrapped for this year.
The title will not be awarded this year for the first time since it was launched in 1956 due to the 2019-20 season being disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The decision seems somewhat bizarre given that all of Europe’s major football leagues – except France – have been able to complete their seasons.
Barcelona star Lionel Messi won a record sixth Ballon d’Or last year, taking him past rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has five to his name.
The cancellation of the prestigious prize means the Juventus star remains one behind the Argentine.
Awarded by France Football magazine, the Ballon d’Or has been given out every year since Stanley Matthews won the first one 64 years ago.
France Football said in a statement: “Such a singular year cannot – and should not – be treated as an ordinary year. When in doubt, it is better to abstain than to persist.
“The fairness that prevails for this honorary title could not be preserved, in particular at the statistical level and also in the preparation since all the aspirants to the award could not be housed in the same boat, some having seen their season cut radically, others not. How can we compare the incomparable?”
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