Overview
- Markus Babbel told the TV programme 'ran' on Friday that he would abolish personal awards in football and called the Ballon d'Or "the biggest clowns' competition in the world."
- His comments were widely republished via the dpa news feed and other outlets, and no official response to his remarks has been reported so far.
- The remarks arrive with the Ballon d'Or ceremony scheduled in London on Monday at 21:00 CET and will feed ongoing debate about how to judge individual performance in a team game.
- The coverage notes Babbel mocks the strong reactions from clubs and fans when players are left off shortlists, saying those offended reactions are "ridiculous" and make him laugh.
- Reports remind readers that the Ballon d'Or, organised by France Football with UEFA cooperation since 1956, is voted on by 100 journalists for the men's award who each rank 10 of 30 nominees and assign 15-to-1 points.