Major changes in Ballon d'Or football awards from next season

Football's most prestigious awards, Ballon d'Or have got some significant changes to the format which will be rolled out from the next season, France Football Magazine who are the organisers of the awards said on Friday.

The awards which were given on the basis of a whole football season will now be based on performances during the course of a regular European season, that is from August to July. The jury that earlier consisted of 170 members has also been reduced to 100 and they will now only judge on the basis of the season's play and no past career accomplishments to be taken into consideration. The women's voting pool has also been reduced to 50.

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The organisers said that earlier the players were being judged for 2 half seasons now it will be clearer. The move to bring the changes came in response to the criticism of Lionel Messi edging out Robert Lewandowski to win the award for the record 7th time in 2021.

The organisers also informed through their Twitter the World Cup in Qatar scheduled from November 21st to December 8th will be counted for the 2023 awards. They also informed that the criteria of the award will be primarily based on individual performance then team performance and lastly fair play.