Fifa extends Ballon d'Or voting deadline

World football's governing body has confirmed that the date has been put back to November 29 due to a low number of responses, while those who have submitted can change their mind

 

Fifa has opted to extend the voting period for the Ballon d'Or awards following a low number of responses from designated representatives.

 

The original deadline passed on Friday, but voters now have until November 29 to make their choice, with the prize to be presented in Zurich on January 13.

 

As part of Fifa's decision, those who have already voted are able to change their mind.

 

"Due to a low number of responses from coaches and captains of the national teams as well as media representatives and in order to ensure a representative number of votes Fifa and France Football have extended the deadline for the voting until 29 November 2013," a Fifa spokesperson confirmed.

 

"Member Associations and media representatives who had been invited to vote on the above mentioned awards have been informed accordingly.

 

"Votes which had already been submitted can be changed until November 29."

 

The news comes after Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the favourites for the award, registered a stunning hat-trick against Sweden on Tuesday night to confirm his country's qualification for the 2014 World Cup. 

 

Lionel Messi, the winner of the Ballon d'Or for the last four years, is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury.

 

- Goal