Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony has been postponed: Details here
What's the story
FIFA's The Best awards ceremony, scheduled to be held in Milan on September 21, has been postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic, world football's governing body confirmed. It is unclear if or when the ceremony will be rearranged, with a FIFA spokesperson saying that the consequences and different alternatives are being considered, as per AFP. .Here's more on the same.
COVID-19
Coronavirus pandemic has wrecked a havoc, Europe worst affected
Major football leagues around the world had been suspended in wake of the COVID-19 crisis back in March. This impacted the 2019-20 season. The coronavirus has claimed 308,676 lives so far. The disease has caused a havoc in Europe with Spain, Russia, UK, Italy and France worst affected. In Italy, where the event was to be held, 31,610 deaths have been reported.
Messi
Best FIFA Football Awards: Messi won in 2019
Last year, Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi edged out Virgil van Dijk and Cristiano Ronaldo to win the best men's player at The Best FIFA Football Awards in Milan. The 32-year-old Argentine helped his club win La Liga and reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2018-19 season. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was named men's coach of the year.
Megan Rapinoe
Megan Rapinoe won the best women's player award
Celebrated women's footballer Megan Rapinoe beat fellow World Cup winner Alex Morgan and England's Lucy Bronze to the women's prize. Her USA national team coach Jill Ellis lifted the women's coaching award. The 34-year-old was joint-top goal-scorer with six goals at the women's World Cup and won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball for the best player in the coveted event.
FIFA
FIFA's The Best awards canceled for 2020?
Meanwhile, a report in Spanish outlet Marca, stated FIFA have decided to cancel their The Best awards this year. The report states that president Gianni Infantino has been clear from the very start of this pandemic that matters will be dealt with using common sense and maximum precaution. Meanwhile, the fate of several other prestigious awards will be known as time progresses.