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The journalist ‘lost objectivity’ following his votes in last year’s Ballon d’Or suggested too much partiality.
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi. (Picture Credit: X)
Former Argentina footballer and journalist Enrique Wolff has reportedly lost his voting rights for the Ballon d’Or. The decision comes after officials observed that there was bias in his methods. As per a report published by Mirror, Wolff was informed that he “lost objectivity” following his votes in last year’s Ballon d’Or suggested too much partiality. As a consequence, Wolff lost his place on the voting panel for this year’s edition of the prestigious awards ceremony. While speaking to The Times, Ballon d’Or chief, Vincent Garcia, explained why Wolff lost his voting rights. “I am not a dictator. They vote with their heart. Some prefer attackers or midfielders, this team or that team. The important thing is to be credible,” Garcia said.
“There were four Argentina players available on the shortlist and he picked all of them. My opinion was he had lost objectivity. We changed the journalist and he no longer votes,” Vincent Garcia added.
It has been learnt that the four players selected from Argentina by Enrique Wolff, were Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Emiliano Martinez and Julian Alvarez who occupied his top five spots. Messi, eventually, went on to claim the Ballon d’Or trophy for a record eighth time in 2023.
Representing Inter Miami, Lionel Messi became the first Major League Soccer (MLS)-based footballer to win the Ballon d’Or. Triumph in the FIFA World Cup 2022, played in Qatar, played a key role in guiding the Argentine legend to the coveted trophy.
“I couldn’t imagine having the career that I’ve had. Everything that I’ve achieved. The fortune I’ve had playing for the best team in the world, the best team in history. It’s nice to win these individual trophies. To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing. All of them [Ballon d’Or awards] are special for different reasons,” Lionel Messi had said after winning the award, as per ESPN.
But the scenario has been a bit different this time, with Lionel Messi being dropped from the nominations for the Ballon d’Or trophy for the first time since 2003. Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior appears to be the leading candidate for the men’s award. Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati, on the other hand, is the favourite to win her second successive crown.