By Jimmy
The European football governing body, UEFA, will have a big say in the planning, organizing, and execution of the most prestigious individual award in football, the Ballon d’Or from 2023.
Ever since the Ballon d’Or started in 1956, Groupe Amaury, the publishers of France Football magazine, and L’Equipe, have been the brains behind the award. The group agreed with the world football governing body FIFA to merge the Ballon d’Or with the FIFA World Player of the Year award.
From then on, it was called FIFA Ballon d’Or.
Unfortunately, the partnership collapsed in 2016 and FIFA decided to establish The Best FIFA award that same year, while Groupe Amaury continued to run the Ballon d’Or.
After Messi won the 2023 Ballon d’Or for the record 8th time in his career, UEFA agreed to fully partner with Groupe Amaury to organize the prestigious award from 2024.
SEE: Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or legacy: A journey to greatness
This means that from 2024, there won’t be UEFA Player of the Year awards. However, the football body will keep awarding the best players in their club competitions – Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.
A statement from the European football governing body reads: “UEFA will contribute its football expertise, market the global commercial rights, and organize the annual awards gala.
“Together, UEFA and Groupe Amaury aim to enhance the stature and global reach of the awards while fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the football community.”
