Pascal Ferré recounts agent’s attempt to influence Ballon d'Or voting, envelope left behind
Ferré says an agent asked him to 'sell' a nominee's candidacy and later left an unexplained envelope; the ceremony is set for 26 October 2026 in London.
Former Ballon d'Or director Pascal Ferré has recounted an episode from his tenure that casts a light on behind-the-scenes attempts to influence the award's voting. Ferré says an agent representing a nominated player requested a private meeting and then asked him to push the player's candidacy to the jury.
Ferré described the encounter in his own words: "An agent wanted to meet me. His client had been nominated and, after explaining why he deserved the award, he asked if I could 'sell' his candidacy to the jury," Ferré revealed.
Envelope left on the table
According to Ferré, he rejected the proposal immediately. "Of course I said no," he added. The story took a stranger turn when Ferré stepped out briefly to take a phone call and the agent disappeared.
When Ferré returned he found an envelope on the desk. "I came back and he was gone. But there was an envelope on the table. I took it and handed it to reception. I have no idea what was inside," the former Ballon d'Or manager said, keeping the contents of the envelope unknown.
The anecdote underlines long-running debates around the Ballon d'Or: who votes, what criteria are used and how nominees are chosen. While controversies about the award are frequent, Ferré's first‑hand account is an unusual example of an alleged direct attempt to influence the process.
The next Ballon d'Or ceremony is scheduled for Monday, 26 October 2026 at the London Palladium; it will mark the 70th edition of the prize.
Photo: press material from the event
