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.

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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.

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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.”

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