Ballon d'Or: no winner in 2020 to protect the "credibility and legitimacy" of the award

"As the organiser of the Ballon d'Or, the Group L'Équipe, to which France Football belongs, decided not to award the most prestigious individual trophy there is in 2020," announced the French sports media (press, internet, television) group on 20/07/2020.

"For the first time since 1956, the Ballon d'Or will take a break. There will be no edition in 2020, because it turns out, after thoughtful consideration, that all the conditions are not met. We believe that such a singular year cannot - and should not - be treated as an ordinary one," said Pascal Ferré, editor-in-chief of France Football.

"This decision, which was taken of course with all the Group stakeholders, does not delight us but it seems to be the most responsible one. Protecting the credibility and legitimacy of such an award also means ensuring its flawlessness over time," explained Ferré.

"The equity that prevails for this honorary title will not be warranted" (P. Ferré, France Football)

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