UEFA have announced a new partnership with the group behind the Ballon d'Or to co-organise football's most prestigious individual awards ceremony.
The historic gong has been handed out every year since 1956, bar the Covid-hit season of 2020, with Lionel Messi winning his eighth trophy earlier this week.
French publisher Groupe Amaury, owner of the magazine France Football which presents the award as well as newspaper L'Equipe, has agreed a deal with UEFA for the governing body to "contribute its football expertise, market the global commercial rights and organise the annual awards gala".
UEFA will not be involved in the voting system of the award, which is done via each country's international team captain, manager and a media representative nominating their top three players of the year.
A statement read: "Together, UEFA and Groupe Amaury aim to enhance the stature and global reach of the awards while fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the football community."
The agreement starts from the 2024 ceremony next year and includes the introduction of two new awards, for the best men's and women's coach.
The Ballon d'Or Feminin for the best women's player will remain along with the Kopa Trophy for best under-21 player, Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper and Gerd Muller Trophy for top goalscorer - although there is no word that those three will be expanded to the women's game too despite recent criticism.
UEFA's decision to join forces with the Ballon d'Or could also be seen as a broadside to FIFA and the world body's The Best awards which also honours the top footballers and coaches of the year. Their ceremony will be held early next year with Messi leading a 12-player shortlist for the men's gong.
Jean-Etienne Amaury, Groupe Amaury CEO, said: "We want to make the Ballon d'Or Awards Ceremony to be the global event that showcases and highlights the talent of top-level footballers in their individual and collective performances, to inspire all talents in football and aim to bring together the passion and enthusiasm of fans from all over the world.”
