Ballon d'Or not to be awarded this year

The Ballon d'Or for the world's best players will not be awarded in 2020 because of a lack of sufficient fair conditions created by the coronavirus pandemic.

The prize has been awarded by France Football every year since 1956.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi won the men's prize last year, with USA forward Megan Rapinoe claiming the women's trophy.

France Football said awarding a prize in a crippled year would not be worthy of their history.

They say protecting the credibility and legitimacy of such an award also means ensuring its flawlessness over time.

Argentina international Messi won the prize for a record sixth time last year.

[Source: BBC Sports]