Ballon d'Or organisers have responded to the long-running debate over whether footballers must play for European clubs to stand a realistic chance of winning the prestigious award, insisting that while history favours Europe-based players, the prize is open to footballers from any league in the world.

France Football clarifies that playing for a European club is not a prerequisite to win the Ballon d'Or, dispelling a long-held belief. Learn more.

Ballon d'Or organisers have responded to the long-running debate over whether footballers must play for European clubs to stand a realistic chance of winning the prestigious…