In an unprecedented decision since 1956, the Ballon d'Or will not be awarded to the best player in the world in 2020.
The unprecedented decision, published in an official statement by France Football magazine, comes as a result of the long shutdown of sports caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
247 - In an official statement, the management of France Football magazine announced this Monday (20) that the Ballon d'Or, the award given to the best world football player of each year, will not be awarded in 2020. The unprecedented decision since 1956 is due to the long paralysis of the sport caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The information is from the newspaper The State of S. Paulo.
"We believe that such a unique year cannot – and should not – be treated as a common year. At the sporting level, just two months (January and February), out of the 11 usually needed to form an opinion and decide among the best, is far too little to assess and judge, since the other games took place – or will take place – under different conditions (behind closed doors, five substitutions, Champions League quarter-finals in a single match) that are far from the usual scenario. This choice 'does not delight us', but aims to protect the credibility and legitimacy of such an award," the statement said.