The Best FIFA Football Awards 2020 will take place on December 17, the Association has confirmed.

The award held to revive the finest football player of the Year took place in September last year at the Teatro Alla Scala in Milan, Italy yet the coronavirus which delayed the football calendar has caused a shift in the date of the event.

“This year, it has been clearer than ever that nothing is more important than health,” the statement revealed.

“The protagonists of the game have taken on greater responsibility, not just as players, but also as role models giving hope to communities everywhere and sharing messages of unity in the face of the ongoing public health crisis.

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“Following the safe resumption of competitions, thanks to a combination of hard work and solidarity across our sport, football has provided a rare source of comfort and joy to many. Thus, it is important that FIFA honour such achievements in this extraordinary year.

This year’s event will be held virtually in line with observing the various health protocols.

“In line with public health precautions and FIFA’s guiding principle that health comes first, it has been decided that the awards ceremony will be held as a virtual event only,” the statement added.

Voting will start on 25 November and end on 9 December and the following categories have been considered in the 2020 edition of the Award; The Best FIFA Women’s Player, the Best FIFA Men’s Player, The Best FIFA Women’s Coach, the Best FIFA Men’s Coach, the Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper, the Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper, FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World11, FIFA FIFPRO Men’s World11, FIFA Fair Play Award, FIFA Puskás Award and the FIFA Fan Award.

Lionel Messi is the current holder of the award, after winning it for the first time.