All-Time List Of FIFA Ballon d'Or Winners >>>

FIFA Ballon d’Or award is the highest level of individual award in football and it is awarded to the best player in the world every year. The history about the current Ballon d’Or award is a bit complex so let’s explain it briefly. Ballon d’Or award started back in 1956 and it was known as “European Player Of the year award” and only the players from Europe were eligible for this award. But In 1995 the rules were changed and any player playing for European club could win it. But in 2009 it was merged with “FIFA’s player of the year award” and became FIFA Ballon d’or which any footballer from any part of the world can win it. Jury & Selection Process: Since 2009 when both Ballon d’Or and FIFA Player of the year award were merged the selection process also disclosed to public. All national team captains and Coaches plus 1 specialist journalists from every country can vote for the nominees. They get a draft where they have to pick three players in descending order and when the drafts are return FIFA calculate points account to following criteria. 1 position pick is awarded 5 points, second pick is 3 and third pick gets 1 point. So around 500 voters (170 national team captain, 170 national coaches and around 170 journalists) choices are counted and the player with most points gets the Ballon Dor award.

Now let’s take a look at the all past winners of Ballon d’Or (now FIFA Ballon d’Or) award. From 1956 only European players were eligible but in 1995 any nationality player playing for a European club was eligible.

HOW MUCH ARE FINES FOR GETTING A YELLOW CARD IN THE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE?

Players receive a fine of £10 per yellow card and £15 additional for every 5 yellow cards received. These fines are administration fees imposed by the Football Association. These rules are set for every tier of football across England including the EPL and Championship all they way down to Sunday League games.The FA is also responsible for other disciplinary action including suspensions.

Players are also given suspensions for accumulation of cards. A red card suspension is based on why the red card was given and which rule was broken. Accumulation of too many yellow cards at 5, 10, 15 also results in a one match ban. A player who receives 20 yellow cards must meet with the FA disciplinary board and receives a five match ban.

Teams can be fined £25,000 by the Football Association if the team has 6 or more players cautioned or dismissed during a single match.

In addition, some clubs will impose a fine on a specific player who receives a card during a match or a suspension. Teams may also dock players wages for matches that they are suspended.

Messi to appeal decision over tax evasion trial...

The Barcelona star has been told be magistrates he must face proceedings over the allegations but he has opted to fight the decision

Lionel Messi has confirmed he will appeal a decision by Spanish prosecutors stating he must stand trial over allegations of tax evasion.

The Barcelona star and his father and agent, Jorge Messi, where accused of defrauding authorities over a tax amount totalling €4.1 million between 2006 and 2009.

It is alleged that Messi's image rights were sold by Jorge - who assumed full responsibility when the case began - using companies in countries like Belize and Uruguay to avoid Spanish tax obligations.

A judge at a court in Gava, near Barcelona, determined earlier on Friday that the 27-year-old would have to face trial over the allegations, despite his pleas that he was neither guilty nor fully aware of the suggested impropriety.

However, Messi has confirmed his intention to appeal the latest decision.

In a statement, the Argentina captain said: "Through this press release I want to communicate that, after having received the order of the court of Gava this afternoon and following the professional advice of my solicitors, I have decided to appeal against it."
Messi and his father made a voluntary payment of just over €5m - the total alleged amount - last year in an effort to bring the matter to a close, but authorities have opted to pursue the case.

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Wenger Questions Mata’s Move to United.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he “understands why” Chelsea have decided to sell midfielder Juan Mata to Manchester United at this time of the season and not earlier.

Chelsea lies third on the Premier League standing, two points behind leaders Arsenal and have played United twice this season.

Arsenal still has a game against United, so also second-placed Manchester City.

“Maybe the rules should be adapted for more fairness,” said Wenger.

“It opens up questions about the dates of this transfer window.”

Mata’s proposed £37m move to Old Trafford could be sealed on Friday with the player set for medical at the club training facilities.

United are 14 points behind Arsenal but could still impact on the title race pendulum.

They travel to the Emirate Stadium on 12 February and are yet to welcome City at Old Trafford.

“If you want to respect the fairness for everybody, that should not happen,” added Wenger.

Chelsea agreed to sell the player to the reigning champions, just days after beating the latter 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, their second meeting in the ongoing campaign.

“Some team’s have already played twice against one opponent and some others not.

“I can understand completely what Chelsea are doing. They could have sold last week,” Wenger continued.

The Gunners are currently linked with Schalke’s Germany midfielder Julian Drazler, but Wenger feels the club’s chances of adding to the squad largely depends on finding the right option.

He added: If something exceptional turns up we will do it, but not everyone will strengthen- they buy, but that does not always mean strengthen.”

source :>>>here