Key changes to Ballon d’Or means there will be structural adjustment to the award that every professional player covets. The organisers of the world football award have announced major changes.
The France Football, which awards Ballon d’Or to outstanding professional footballers every year, has come up with new arrangements. The most conspicuous one among the changes is the calendar.
Ballon d’Or used to run from January to December. Winners of the awards in different categories would be rewarded in late December. That means Ballon d’Or is for a whole year.
Now, the calendar has changed. The new timeframe will be that the winners would be unveiled in October. Of course, France Football has broken away from traditional November or December.
Furthermore, the award will be given based on the performance of the players from August to July. France Football said, “no more January to December” in a tweet.
In another tweet on the subject matter, France Football revealed, “The #ballondor will now be awarded on the basis of a classic football season: August to July! No worries, the Qatar World Cup will count for the 2023 award. Less global but… much more demanding.”
The France Football has also made changes to the number of jury. Top journalists often vote for Ballon d’Or winners. The number used to be 170 for male category, and 100 for female category.
Countries that are now on top 100 FIFA ranking would vote for male category while top 50 countries would vote on female category.
The Argentina and Paris Saint Germain star Lionel Messi won the last edition. He has got the award a record seven time.
The changes to Ballon d’Or may not really affect FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar. FIFA organises its own awards.
The Polish and Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandoski got the last FIFA best player award. There is a question on the yardsticks that France Football and FIFA use.
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