Earlier in the day, Captain Janne Andersson announced that he did not feel comfortable sitting in the jury deciding who should win the Gold Ball. In addition, he announced that he will probably not remain in the jury next year.
Andreas Granqvist, who was praised with the Gold Ball two years ago and who was noticed when many thought Emil Forsberg would win, thinks the prize should be scrapped.
- I don't think we should have any Gold Ball at all. It is better to have team prices instead of individual prices because it is a team sport. I would have preferred to award team awards instead. I don't think you should have individual awards in a team sport, he says.
He also thinks that all the individual prices should be removed.
- Yes, shut down everyone and we will not have these discussions. There is never any discussion about Ballon d'Or anyway, says Granqvist.
The Swedish national team will not be able to attend this year's Football Gala as they are in Cyprus and are uploading ahead of the two crucial matches in the European Championship. They will attend via video link and the big question is who will be awarded the Gold and Diamond Ball.