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FIFA Deny Votes for 'The Best' Were Altered After Allegations, Lionel Messi Win

FIFA have issued a statement in which they have dismissed allegations that voters for the Best Men's Player Award had their selections changed.

On Monday, Barcelona's Lionel Messi was named as the winner of the award, beating Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk and Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo to the accolade.

After the winner was announced, FIFA released the full voting data for the prize, with national team captains and managers balloted, as well as selected media representatives from different countries. Some have since claimed the information published by world football's governing body does not match their initial votes.