Bayern Munich fume as Lewandowski denied Ballon d'Or chance

Bayern Munich have criticised the decision to cancel the Ballon d'Or with star striker Robert Lewandowski among the candidates to win it before it was shelved. 

France Football announced last week that the coveted individual prize would not be given out this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge cannot believe the decision given that the majority of Europe's biggest leagues have all been played to completion, with the Champions League due to resume next month. 

"I believe Robert Lewandowski is playing a fantastic season and he performed maybe the best season in his career," Rummenigge said at a press conference on Monday.

"Unfortunately France Football cancelled the Ballon d'Or which we are not very happy [with] and in the end it's not very fair, not just Bayern but also for Robert Lewandowski who might have won.

"I believe it's very important that in a season that, except the French league, [the other leagues] performed through to the end of the season, it has to be possible to give the Ballon d'Or to the best footballer in the world and of course, I believe in those circumstances Robert would have a good chance to win it in the first time in his career."

Lewandowski scored 34 league goals as Bayern won the Bundesliga again and could play a major part in helping the Germans win the Champions League in August.