Should Suarez Be On Ballon d’Or Shortlist ?

Should Suarez Be On Ballon d’Or Shortlist ?

Five Barclays Premier League stars and one Brit – Gareth Bale – have been named on FIFA’s 23-man shortlist for the 2014 Ballon d’Or.

Current holder Cristiano Ronaldo and four-time winner Lionel Messi are again favourites for the prestigious award, but there is no place on the shortlist for former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, who has just finished serving a four month ban for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during this summer’s World Cup.

It seems remarkable that one unsavoury moment of madness from the controversial but very talented Uruguayan striker has prevented him from challenging for football’s top individual honour.

The biting incident was condoned by the footballing public witnessed on the World’s greatest stage, but Suarez has served his time for his punishment and it should not detract from the amazing season he produced at club level for his former team Liverpool.

Suarez finished top scorer in arguably the toughest league in the World, the Premiership despite missing the start of the season due to serving the end of a 10 game ban.

The Uruguayan’s 31 goal haul almost took Liverpool to their first title win in 20 years and his form lit up the Premiership with some amazing play and goals.

FIFA have a got it wrong by not selecting Suarez on the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or because his tremendous season should not be overshadowed by his much publicised biting incident.