Ballon d’Or 2020 has been cancelled by France Football Magazine citing ‘lack of sufficient fair conditions’ and ‘unnatural circumstances’. The prestigious award is awarded by France Football Magazine since 1956 to the best player for a particular year. Stanley Matthews had won the first award in 1956. Lionel Messi, with six trophies, has won the most number of Ballon d’Or trophies while his longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo is second with five awards. Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema were among the favourites to win the prestigious Golden Ball this year but the award has now been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ballon d’Or 2020: France Football Cancel Prestigious Award Due to 'Lack of Sufficient Fair Conditions'.

“For the first time in its history, which began in 1956, the Ballon d'Or will not be awarded in 2020, due to the lack of sufficient fair conditions,” France Football said in a statement. “Messi and Rapinoe (as well as [Mattijs] de Ligt and Alisson, winners of the Kopa and Yachine Trophies [for young player and goalkeeper]) will have to wait a year.”

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“Because there will be no Ballon d'Or 2020 edition. Why? Because 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. Because the Ballon d'Or trophy conveys other values - like exemplarity, solidarity and responsibility - rather than merely sporting excellence alone,” the statement further read.

Lewandowski, who has scored 50 goals this season for the first time in his career and is chasing a treble was among the favourites. Real Madrid’s Benzema was also a top contender having just guided Real Madrid to a record 34th La Liga title. The Frenchman scored 21 goals and has also assisted eight times in the league this time.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 20, 2020 07:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).