France Football's Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award have been merged.

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter signed an agreement with Amaury Group President Marie-Odile Amaury in Johannesburg on Monday, meaning that the world's best player will from now on be awarded the FIFA Ballon d'Or each year.

"I'm happy to be speaking about the players today as they are football's true protagonists," said Blatter. "I'm delighted that Marie-Odile Amaury and France Football have extended a hand to FIFA. As a result, we have accomplished an idea that has been discussed at FIFA for a number of years now, and no doubt at France Football too: we're going to combine our talents and experience to create a single reward for the world's best player. It will be known as the FIFA Ballon d'Or."

Amaury said: "I'm very happy that we are teaming up with FIFA to select and present the Ballon d'Or to the best player in the world. We'll be adding even more glory and value to this prize, and we will now be holding an even more spectacular ceremony, which will make it possible for us to reach everyone who loves the game. We are tremendously proud."

Also at the press conference was former Liberia international George Weah - still the only African player to have won the FIFA World Player of the Year award and France Football's Ballon d'Or. "To receive an award like this makes any player immensely proud," he said.

"Not just for himself, but for the continent he represents as well. It's also a challenge because you have to work hard and have your work recognized by players, coaches and journalists. Because of that, the award has huge value and it's a real mission to try to stay at the same level."

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