A huge revelation has come forward amid an ongoing legal investigation into former PSG director of communications, Jean-Martial Ribes. It has been alleged that the club sought to exert influence in favor of Lionel Messi winning the 2021 Ballon d’Or. Additionally, gifts and trips were reportedly provided to the event organizer.

In 2021, Messi’s unexpected transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain shocked many. Shortly after, he became the first-ever PSG player to get his hands the Ballon d’Or award, marking his eighth individual trophy. However, recent reports indicate that the Paris club may have influenced this victory.

PSG pushed for Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d’Or in 2021

Jean-Martial Ribes is currently under judicial investigation for alleged corruption and influence peddling. According to journalist, Jorge Calabres, it has been revealed that Ribes, along with PSG owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi, provided gifts and trips to former editor-in-chief of France football, Pascal Ferre during the 2020-2021 period.

These gestures included invitations to important matches, fully funded trips, and various other presents. Additionally, Ferre held the responsibility of organizing the 2021 Ballon d’Or event. Reports further suggest that the Parisians exploited these acts of generosity in an attempt to push for a win for Messi.

Trending

Sidelined By Injury 2 Days Ago, Is Erling Haaland Playing Tonight For Manchester City Vs Nottingham Forest?

April 28, 2024 12:30 PM EDT

Fact Check: Is Lionel Messi’s Mother Lebanese? Uncovering the Truth Behind Celia’s Nationality

March 30, 2024 02:46 PM EDT

Why Did Pep Guardiola Bench Erling Haaland Vs Nottingham Forest? Manchester City Injury Latest

April 28, 2024 05:19 PM EDT

Pep Guardiola’s Net Worth in 2024: How Much Does the Manchester City Boss Earn From Salary, Endorsements & More

March 04, 2024 07:18 AM EST

What Did Jurgen Klopp Say to Mohamed Salah Before Liverpool Fallout? Possible Reason Behind Bust Up Analyzed by Experts

April 28, 2024 01:15 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Soccer stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

This is not the first time Pascal Ferre has been involved in controversy surrounding the Ballon d’Or. In fact, Cristiano Ronaldo once called him out for allegedly spreading false information about his aim to win more Ballon d’Or awards than Lionel Messi.

That time Cristiano Ronaldo accused Pascal Ferre of spreading ‘lies’

During the lead-up to the 2021 Ballon d’Or ceremony, Pascal Ferre surprised everyone with a statement, revealing, “Ronaldo has only one ambition, and that is to retire with more Ballons d’Or than Messi.” He claimed that Ronaldo himself had confided in him about this desire. However, just a few days later, CR7 strongly refuted Ferre’s claims.

“I Always Refer to Cristiano Ronaldo…” – Suspended 36YO GK Draws Lionel Messi Comparisons; Says He’s ‘Hungry for More’

Taking to Instagram, the Portuguese icon accused Ferre stating, “Pascal Ferre lied, used my name to promote himself and to promote the publication he works for.” He further went on to express his deep disappointment, stating, “It is unacceptable that the person responsible for awarding such a prestigious prize could lie in this way.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.