FIWC champion ready for FIFA Ballon d'Or

For fans of the FIFA Interactive World Cup, January is an important milestone on the virtual football calendar. Firstly, it marks the traditional end of online qualification for the FIWC Grand Final, and secondly, it signals the reigning FIFA Interactive World Cup champion's visit to the FIFA Ballon d’Or.

Since 2004, it has been an annual tradition for the FIWC champion to travel to Zurich to attend the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala as a special guest. In Zurich, the FIWC champion gets to mingle behind the scenes with the world’s greatest players before eventually taking his seat among the lucky few that get to watch the Ballon d’Or ceremony live in Zurich’s Kongresshaus.

A night spent in the company of the worlds’ greatest players is just a part of the Grand prize afforded to an FIWC Champion. The winner of the Grand Final also receives USD 20,000 in prize money. You can relive the visits to the FIFA Ballon d'Or by our past world champions by clicking on the videos located to the right of this article.

Alshehri focused on Zurich
In just a few days, reigning FIWC champion Abdulaziz Alshehri will land in Zurich for the FIFA Ballon d’or. Finally, after his victory in Munich back in May 2015, Alshehri gets to experience the reward that millions of gamers compete for: a night in the company of football’s biggest stars.

“Right now the most important thing is to prepare myself for the Ballon d’Or and right after that I’ll start preparing for the Grand Final,” the champion told FIFA.com. The FIWC 2016 Grand Final takes place in New York from 20 to 22 March. At the Grand Final, Alshehri hopes to become the first ever champion to successfully defend the interactive world title. ”History can be made,” said the Saudi Arabian. “Can I be the first back-to-back-champion… that question has been on my mind from the moment I left Munich with the title.”

Three online seasons, 30 qualified finalists
With all three qualification seasons for FIWC 2016 now complete, 30 gamers have secured their places alongside the defending champion. Only one seat remains to be filled for New York 2016, that of the winner of the Host Country Live Qualification event which will take place in the USA in the coming weeks. We will be revealing all the Grand Finalists for FIWC 2016 soon on FIFA.com. Until then, be sure to visit FIFA.com on 11 January to follow the FIFA Ballon d’Or live!

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The things they said: FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala winners

“It’s amazing… I’m lost for words… I can’t describe how it feels.” These are just some of responses you might hear from major award winners. The men and women who step up to the microphone after collecting accolades at the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala are no exception, recovering their poise after the excitement of the moment to express their gratitude to the rest of the football world.

With the 2015 Ballon d’Or Gala just days away now, FIFA.com rounds up just some of the reactions from the players and coaches who have picked up awards at the glittering event over the previous five years.

2010
“This is my second world player of the year award and I feel just as happy as I did the first time, if not more so. We’re going to enjoy it.” Argentina’s Lionel Messi, FIFA Ballon d’Or winner.

“I’ve got a room where I put all my trophies and an area set aside for all the FIFA ones. I’ve still got more space though, and even if I didn’t I’d soon find some (laughs).” Brazil’s Marta, FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year.

“What I want to do now is to go home, so I can celebrate with my family and savour the moment. I’m going to keep this trophy safe, because it’s part of my story and the story of those people who work with me, those who I love and who love me back. It’s something that’ll make me always keep looking for more, with the same level of motivation I’ve always had.” Portugal’s Jose Mourinho, FIFA Men’s Football Coach of the Year.

“It's a wonderful award, but highlights for me are always when you win something with a team – something that you can't win on your own. You always need the support of your players, the national association, your colleagues and the rest of the staff, but this means that you can reach even greater heights. As a coach, you have to have success all the time, and to achieve that it takes much more than just being a good coach” Germany’s Silvia Neid, FIFA Women’s Football Coach of the Year.

“I would like to thank everyone. It’s not that bad to write a bit of history like this. I am very happy about this award. It might not have been the most important goal but it was certainly the most spectacular.” Turkey’s Hamit Altintop, FIFA Puskás Award winner.

2011
“I’m very proud to have won it three times, especially one after the other. It’s hard to win one, let alone three. I’m very happy and this award gives me as much pleasure as the first.” Argentina’s Lionel Messi, FIFA Ballon d’Or winner.

“It was a very exciting night. It was actually when I heard the name of my international coach being announced as Women’s Coach of the Year that my legs started to shake and I began to feel very excited and nervous. And then when I heard my own name, my mind just went blank. I almost couldn’t believe it.” Japan’s Homare Sawa, FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year.

“It’s a great source of joy. You become a footballer or coach because you love the game, to put a certain philosophy into practice and work with the players. And then, of course, events like these put football in a good light and we all need to encourage that to keep the sport growing.” Barcelona head coach Josep Guardiola, FIFA Men’s Football Coach of the Year.

“I am so honoured. Just being here at such an amazing event together with my family makes me feel so grateful. I'm so emotional and I'm feeling very happy. Just being here is one thing but winning this award is simply overwhelming.” Japan’s Norio Sasaki, FIFA Women’s Football Coach of the Year.

“I was almost in a state of shock (laughs). I'm delighted to have won the award, though, and I’m very grateful to all my team-mates for their help in what’s been a wonderful year. I’d also like to thank God and my family, friends and colleagues because they’ve helped me a lot.” Brazil’s Neymar, FIFA Puskás Award winner.

2012
“It’s really nice to win it again, for a fourth consecutive time. I'm really very happy. My mind went blank and I couldn’t think of what to say. All the same, I’d like to dedicate this award to my family.” Argentina’s Lionel Messi, FIFA Ballon d’Or winner.

“It's fantastic. There haven't been many times in my life where I've been completely speechless, but I'm really having trouble finding the right words. Honestly, when Hope [Solo] said my name, I thought she'd made a mistake. I was sure that Alex [Morgan] would win.” USA’s Abby Wambach, FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year.

“I’m proud to represent a country’s football that’s enjoying an extraordinary period, but I know that this isn’t an individual award. This award is for the work of a whole team: I’ve got a lot of people behind me.” Spain’s Vicente Del Bosque, FIFA Men’s Football Coach of the Year.

“I feel really [close] to the team and am very proud of them. I’d love to give everyone an award like this, but there’s only one trophy, so I’ll keep it.” USA head coach Pia Sundhage, FIFA Women’s Football Coach of the Year.

“It’s a fantastic feeling as I didn’t expect to be in the top ten, never mind the final three. I want to thank the fans as well, because without their votes I wouldn’t be here. This trophy belongs to them too.” Slovakia’s Miroslav Stoch, FIFA Puskás Award winner.

2013
“Finding out I’d won made me extremely happy, I felt very proud. You need to work really hard to win a trophy of this magnitude. Winning a second Ballon d’Or was what I yearned for most. I want to thank all my team-mates at Real Madrid and the national side, because you can’t win individual awards without working as a team. And the same goes to my coaches for club and country, for the trust they had in me.” Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, FIFA Ballon d’Or winner.

“I still can’t believe it, but I’m totally calm and can’t really take it in. I think I’ll have to sleep on it for a couple of nights until it finally all hits me.” Germany’s Nadine Angerer, FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year.

“It’s obviously a tremendous honour at the end of my career. I had almost 50 years as a player and coach, and experienced many highs, lows, successes and failures. This is the crowning glory to round it all off and I’m extremely happy.” Bayern Munich head coach Jupp Heynckes, FIFA Men’s Football Coach of the Year.

“It’s an incredible honour, and I really never thought it could happen. But nobody can ever succeed alone. So many people have contributed to this award.” Germany’s Silvia Neid, FIFA Women’s Football Coach of the Year.

“I'm delighted. It is a huge honour for me just to be here, so to go home with two trophies feels even better. As for the goal, normally it's not so important who scores, but this time it happened to be me and I think it has become a symbol of sorts because of how it came about. That thought makes me really happy. This is a day I will remember for the rest of my life.” Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic, FIFA Puskás Award winner.

2014
“I’ve been here eight times now but it’s still the same. There’s always a lot of tension before the names are read out. I know how much hard work and effort goes into winning this award, and that’s why I still get emotional, no matter how many times I come here to receive it. I hope I’ll be doing so for many years to come. That’s why I have to thank my team-mates, my club Real Madrid and everyone in Portugal. This Ballon d’Or caps a great season for me and it also gives me the motivation to start 2015 with the same ambition.” Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, FIFA Ballon d’Or winner.

I’m still completely overwhelmed by the moment; I’ve got to calm down and let it all sink in first. It might be an individual award, but I’d never have won it without the help of my team-mates.” Germany’s Nadine Kessler, FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year.

“Receiving this award after such a successful year is a huge honour for me. It’s like the icing on the cake after the World Cup.” Germany’s Joachim Low, FIFA Men’s Football Coach of the Year.

“I really am very proud, but I know it has been a joint project in which a huge number of people have played a part. Working together is the only way to achieve anything in team sport.” Germany’s Ralf Kellermann, FIFA Women’s Football Coach of the Year.

“I'm extremely happy to win this award, which is really a very special honour, all the more so because it was voted for by the public. I'm very grateful. It will be difficult to match that goal, but I'm going to keep trying to score more [like it] in the future.” Colombia’s James Rodriguez, FIFA Puskás Award winner.

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Belgium hold on, Uganda and Kyrgyzstan surprise

Belgium ended 2015 on a high note and they have begun 2016 in the same fashion. The Red Devils remain top of the table in the first FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking of 2016, while Argentina and Spain have also held onto their respective second and third positions.

With the majority of the top teams enjoying a well-deserved break in the final weeks of 2015, the situation in the top 50 remains largely unchanged in the latest ranking. That said, three teams enjoyed a subtle but successful climb before ringing in the New Year. Sweden have moved up one position into 34th place, Iran have climbed two places into 43rd and Guinea have gained one position in 49th. Meanwhile, Uganda (62nd, up 1) and Kyrgyzstan (107th, up 1) have kicked off 2016 by reaching their best-ever positions in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking.

Other small but significant improvements have been enjoyed by Zambia (67th, up 6), Rwanda (91st, up 10), Thailand (121st, up 12), Tanzania (126th, up 6) and Sri Lanka (188th, up 6). All of the aforementioned teams have improved their positions by more than five places in the latest ranking.

The confederation leaders for the first ranking of 2016 mirror those of December’s ranking. Belgium, Argentina, Côte d’Ivoire, Mexico, Iran and New Zealand hold onto continental bragging rights for the time being. 15 games from December 2015 and one “A” match from 2016 have been evaluated for the latest edition. 

Summary

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Leona Lewis and 2CELLOS to perform at FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala

British singing sensation Leona Lewis and young Croatian cellists Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, together known as 2CELLOS, will entertain guests at the Kongresshaus in Zurich and everyone watching the 2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala around the world on Monday, 11 January. This will be the first appearance at the Ballon d'Or Gala for both Leona Lewis and 2CELLOS, but the two acts are no strangers to international stardom and success.

Lewis made chart history as the first British female solo artist to debut at No1 in the US Billboard Album Chart. Her magical voice has melted the hearts of millions of music fans worldwide with hit singles such as “Bleeding Love” and “Better In Time”. Lewis has won numerous awards, broken chart records, sold millions of albums and performed all over the world.

2CELLOS rose to fame in 2011 when their version of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” took the world by storm. The YouTube video became a massive viral hit leading to a record deal with Sony Music Masterworks and an invitation to join Sir Elton John on his worldwide tour. Their playing style has broken down the boundaries between different genres of music, from classical and film music to pop and rock.

The two musical acts will perform during Monday evening's programme, hosted by Kate Abdo and James Nesbitt, when the stars of world football will come together to celebrate the past 12 months of the beautiful game and watch as the FIFA Púskas Award, the FIFA Women's World Player of the Year, Men's and Women's World Coach of the Year, FIFA Fair Play Award and the FIFA Ballon d'Or prize itself will be handed out.

And do not forget, you can follow all the action at Monday's FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala right here on FIFA.com and on FIFA's YouTube channel, from the exclusive press conference to the first red carpet arrivals, the Gala itself and the reactions afterwards.

Make sure to keep across the very latest #ballondor news on Twitter, Instagram and our dedicated Facebook page, as well as keeping up to date on the move with the FIFA App​.

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IFAB ABM moves towards introducing video assistance experiments

The International Football Association Board (The IFAB) has taken a major step forward towards experimentation with video assistance for match officials.

During its Annual Business Meeting (ABM) held at the Royal Garden Hotel in London on Thursday 7 January, the Board of Directors gave a strong recommendation for experiments to be given the green light at the 130th Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held in Cardiff from 4 to 6 March.

The protocols for such experiments were analysed today and are set to be finalised before the AGM, which would pave the way for live trials to begin as soon as the framework and timelines have been confirmed. A number of football associations and competition organisers have already expressed an interest in running trials.

Critical to the development of the protocols was the feedback of the Football Advisory Panel and the Technical Advisory Panel, which were set up in 2014 to support The IFAB with greater expertise before decisions are taken in order to improve the way in which the global football community helps to shape the Laws of the Game.

The members also received an update on the ongoing process to introduce a Quality Programme for electronic performance and tracking systems. The consultation process with key stakeholders such as leagues, clubs, national teams, FIFPro as well as industry representatives is continuing, with the first draft of a global standard set to be presented to The IFAB later this year. This will include minimum safety requirements for players, provisions around data protection, as well as a high quality standard for professional football focusing on performance requirements of the systems.

In another important development, The IFAB ABM approved a comprehensive revision of the Laws of the Game to make them more “user-friendly”. By halving the word count, the new format improves the structure, layout, terminology, phrasing and consistency in order to increase the universality and understanding of the Laws. The 2016/2017 edition of the Laws is set to include the changes, subject to ratification at the AGM in March. It represents the most comprehensive revision of the Laws ever undertaken in The IFAB’s history.

Other topics discussed today included “triple punishment”, the use of “sin bins” and “Law 3 – The Number of Players”, which are all set to be discussed further at the AGM. 

Chairing today’s meeting was Jonathan Ford, Chief Executive of the Football Association of Wales, with attendees including the Acting FIFA Secretary General, the Chief Executives of the other British Associations, The IFAB Secretary, as well as technical and refereeing experts.

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Statement: FC Bayern Munich FIFA Ballon d’Or nominees

It is of course a pity that the Coach of the Year nominee Pep Guardiola and the other FC Bayern Munich nominees for the FIFA/FIFPro World XI will not be able to attend this year’s FIFA Ballon d’Or in Zurich in person.

But as the world governing body of football, FIFA understands that for sporting reasons, the club’s winter break training camp must take priority. Paul Breitner, Bayern Munich legend and now an ambassador for the club, will represent the nominees at the event on Monday, 11 January 2016.

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Lillo: Three coaches, one philosophy

There are times when it looks more like ballet than football. One, two, three… the ball creates beguiling patterns as it is ferried around the pitch. Four, five, six… the players move in time to each other. Seven, eight, nine. the bewildered opposition chase shadows, unable to comprehend exactly what is happening until it is too late. Suddenly, the ball nestles in the back of the net. Another goal is added to the score.

That scenario is one you will no doubt be familiar with if you have spent any time watching the entertaining yet effective brand of football espoused in 2015 by the teams of Luis Enrique, Josep Guardiola and Jorge Sampaoli, the three nominees for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men's Football.

So what is the secret to their success? And what sets them apart? In seeking to answer those questions, FIFA.com sought the opinion of the experienced Juan Manuel Lillo, a man who has long championed possession football and who knows a thing or two about the three candidates. “They’ve all traced similar paths,” he said, before offering his views on the trio.

The inside view
The story starts in 1996, on the day when an Oviedo side coached by Lillo faced a Barcelona line-up featuring Pep Guardiola at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere. If the visitors were expecting a comfortable 90 minutes against one of the Spanish league’s lesser lights, then they were in for a nasty surprise. Though Barça eventually emerged 4-2 winners, it was a victory they had to work very hard for against a team determined to play them at their own cultured game.

After the final whistle had sounded, a suitably impressed Guardiola sought out the man responsible for Oviedo’s enterprising game-plan, an encounter that marked the start of a friendship that would change the face of the game.  

“I'm very fond of Pep and I feel very proud when I see what he has gone on to achieve,” commented the 50-year-old Lillo, whose coaching career has included stints with Real Sociedad, Millonarios of Colombia and Dorados de Sinaloa of Mexico. “He’s had great players under him, both at Barcelona and Bayern, but the tactical structure and organisation he pursues only enhances their skills and their ability to link up with each other. He’s made very good players even better.”

You have to look at how things happen, rather than base your explanation in terms of success or failure the whole time.

Juan Manuel Lillo on the shared philosophies of the three FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men's Football candidates

Luis Enrique also featured in that memorable game 20 years ago, scoring two of Barcelona’s goals. “I don’t know Lucho quite as well,” acknowledged Lillo, “but I’ve kept an eye on his work and what he’s achieved with Barcelona, his idea being perhaps to control games less, but to be in control in terms of the score. In some cases, the three forwards operate as a separate unit, though they know that the midfield, headed by Andres Iniesta, will create chances for them. They’re dominant in the way they play and even more so when it comes to results.”

Lillo’s links with Sampaoli are much more recent, the Spaniard having formed part of Chile’s coaching staff since last September, in the wake of their 2015 Copa America triumph. “One of his greatest assets is that he makes the absolute most of his training sessions, in response to the fact that he’s not able to work with his players every day,” said Lillo of the Roja boss. “He puts a lot of ground work in and he condenses all the key points needed to beat the opposition and spoon feeds it to his players so that they can take it all on board as quickly as possible.”

A shared philosophy
Having outlined the individual merits of the candidates for the 2015 FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men's Football, the authoritative Lillo moved on to the subject of why he believes the three coaches have pursued similar paths. “There’s a common pattern,” he explained. “All three like the game to be played on the ground rather than in the air. They believe that possession of the ball and having the team control it in a reduced space provides the organisation and stability they need to execute their game-plans.”

As far as Lillo is concerned, the manner in which the trio achieved success in 2015, with the UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and the Copa America just some of the titles coming their way, was more important than the actual trophies themselves.

“Look at it this way,” he explained, “what would have happened if Alexis (Sanchez) had missed his penalty in the Copa America final against Argentina? We might not be sitting here talking about this. For me, the whole process would have been just as good, though others maybe wouldn’t see it that way. You have to look at how things happen, rather than base your explanation in terms of success or failure the whole time.

“That’s very important, and it’s what stands out about the three of them,” added Lillo, providing yet more insight on the trio before driving his point home, much in the same way that Bayern, Barça and La Roja do: “It’s all about increasing your chances of winning games and not just playing for the chance to win. It’s all about reducing how much luck comes into it, as far as is possible. That’s what it’s all about really. You look for the quickest way to win games. And if you look back through history, the teams who play better football have always won. And the teams who play better football are those who always go for the win.”

Three successful coaches who play the game the right way and play it to win. Deciding which of them will step up to the stage at the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala is no easy task. 

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