Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The change to the voting procedure for the Fifa Ballon d’Or will not just please Cristiano Ronaldo.
Thiago Silva, the Brazil captain, now has the chance to change his vote after originally leaving out his international team-mate Neymar in his choice of three players.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender conceded on Tuesday that he did not know he was allowed to vote for his compatriot, so instead chose Lionel Messi, club team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“It was a pity that I could not vote for Brazilians,” the defender had said. “Neymar would be first and I would have put myself second.
Further reading...
Cristiano Ronaldo closes in on Ballon d'Or after Ffa extend voting procedure
Have Fifa played down Cristiano Ronaldo's 2013 achievements?
“Instead, I voted for Messi as first, second Ibra due to all the goals he has scored, and Cristiano Ronaldo in third; he did not win any titles in the last year.
“They are all great players and any one of them could be there as the winner.”
The 29-year-old now has the opportunity to revise his decision, after Fifa confirmed today that the voting period has been extended until 29 November, and changes can be made.
Silva will still have to watch out for rule 4.c however - "nominated captains and coaches are not permitted to vote for themselves".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments