FIFA and France Football have announced their decision to create a universal award for the game's standout player of the year - the Golden Ball. The governing body will disband their World Player of the Year prize, while the coveted Ballon d'Or, presented by the heavyweight publication, will no longer exist from January 10, 2011. FIFA insist this is to further unify the sport as France Football only recognised the best players plying their trade in Europe. President Sepp Blatter said: "Fifty years ago, football had a European focus. People forgot about South America for example , who had been playing competitive football since 1916. "Over the years football has become global. Thus, we have decided to have one single trophy for the best player in the world - the Golden Ball." Blatter also revealed that the prize-giving will include awards for the world's best coach, best technical director and finally the best 11 of the annum.
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