France Football, the organizers of the Ballon d’Or award, are hopeful that Barcelona midfielder, Andres Iniesta will win the prize this year.
Iniesta has never won the prize despite a trophy-laden career with Barca and Spain, with who he won four Champions League titles, Euro 2008 and 2012, and the 2010 World Cup.
Tuesday’s editorial in France Football, was an apology to the player, who is expected to leave the Nou Camp after 22 years.
Penned by editor Pascal Ferre, he described the omission as a “democratic anomaly.”
“What follows is not quite an editorial. It was all agreed on (by France Football) a while ago to avoid any misunderstanding. This is an act of homage.
“For us, (Iniesta) wasn’t just a player, he was the player.
“His generosity, team play and altruism has certainly deprived him of an even more majestic recognition (the Ballon d’Or).
“He has proven that the brain is definitely the most important thing when it comes to being a champion.
“Iniesta is one of the great absences when it comes to Ballon D’or winners. This is painful to us.
“We can only hope that a divine performance at the World Cup helps us to repair this democratic anomaly,” the apology read.
Comments