Ballon d’Or returns to original format after L’Équipel, FIFA deal ends

The Ballon d’Or deal between France football and FIFA has ended, the French publication and world football’s governing body announced on Friday.

FIFA and L’Équipe have not renewed their arrangement to organise the trophy – voting for which will return to journalists. FIFA may recover the FIFA World Player award.

The coveted world player of the year award will from now on return to its original home after France Football’s agreement with FIFA finished.

The next recipient will be determined by a vote of journalists – players and managers will no longer have a say.

Argentina and Barcelona star Lionel Messi won the award for a record fifth time in 2015.

AFP