FIFA controversy: Extending Ballon d’Or voting to help Cristiano Ronaldo?

Aug 10, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo (7) celebrates his goal against Inter Milan. Real Madrid defeated Inter Milan 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

FIFA announced on Wednesday that they will extend the voting deadline for the Ballon d’Or to November 29th. This immediately raises flags about foul play, and has been perceived as a decision to allow voters to consider Cristiano Ronaldo’s big games this past week, scoring all four goals in Portugal’s playoff win over Sweden.

“I have no words,” Mundo Deportivo’s Francesc Aguilar tweeted. “FIFA and France Football have extended the period of voting to Nov. 29 2013. First the jury had to have voted by at least the 15th of this month. The second legs for Brazil 2014 were not included. That was just as unfair as this change is suspicious. Bit by bit FIFA are ruining the Ballon d’Or with the decisions which are taking place. You do not need to be a genius to see that this decision to extend the voting period for the FIFA Ballon d’Or benefits CR7.”

Aguilar reportedly has a vote in the Ballon d’Or.

It is interesting given FIFA president Sepp Blatter’s comments and mocking of Ronaldo. Maybe this change in a way is an effort to throw Ronaldo a bone and mend some wounds? An effort to help Ronaldo win?

“The amazing performance by Cristiano Ronaldo last night in Solna has completely overturned the betting markets for the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2013 winner,” AS reported on Wednesday morning. “The Portuguese, who until last night was second favourite behind Franck Ribery, has for the first time moved in front of the Frenchman. His exhibition, and the extension of the voting, have been decisive. Furthermore Lionel Messi has been left way back in third place.”

Here are Aguilar’s tweets: