Paris [France], July 20 (ANI): France Football on Monday announced that Ballon d'Or will not be awarded this year due to "lack of sufficient fair conditions" amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"In exceptional circumstances and exceptional provisions, for the first time in its history, which began in 1956, the Ballon d'Or France Football will not be awarded in 2020, for lack of sufficient fair conditions," France Football said in a statement.

Also Read | WI 37/4 In 15 Overs (Target 311 Runs)| England vs West Indies Live Score Updates of 2nd Test 2020, Day 5: Stuart Broad Removes Roston Chase.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on sports across the globe, with every sporting event being cancelled or postponed. After the coronavirus-enforced break, football leagues resumed under strict guidelines to protect every individual from contracting the infection.

The attempt to finish the remaining seasons led to congested fixtures as well. Moreover, the matches are being played behind closed doors.

Also Read | Ballon d'Or 2020: France Football Cancel Prestigious Award Due to 'Lack of Sufficient Fair Conditions'.

France Football said that Ballon d'Or was cancelled this year "because such a unique year cannot -- and should not -- be treated as an ordinary year."

"When in doubt, it is better to abstain than to persist," it added.

"Because only two months (January and February), of the eleven generally required to form an opinion and decide between the best, it is far too little to gauge and judge, given that the other matches were held -- or will take place -- then in other conditions and formats (closed door, five substitutions) too far from the usual panorama. We cannot bring ourselves to rely on crippled seasons, with so many special arrangements, to elect the best. The best of what, by the way? It would not be worthy of our history," the statement said. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)