Leicester heroes Vardy, Mahrez on Ballon d’or shortlist

PARIS: Leicester City heroes Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, stars in their team’s fairytale run to the Premier League title, have been named on a 30-player longlist for the 2016 Ballon d’or.

Vardy — who has enjoyed a meteoric rise from amateur football — is the sole Englishman nominated for the prestigious prize awarded by France Football magazine, which is organising the trophy on its own after the end of a partnership with FIFA.

The Foxes pair are among eight

Premier League stars on the list.

Three-time world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo and last year’s victor Lionel Messi, who has won it five times altogether, are among the favourites to take the prize once again.

Ronaldo, who took home the award in 2008, 2013 and 2014, set himself up for a potential fourth Ballon d’or when captaining Portugal to Euro 2016 glory and helping Real Madrid to an 11th Champions League triumph. FA CUP GETS NEW TV DEAL WORTH $1 BILLION LONDON: England’s governing Football Association announced on Monday it had agreed a new overseas broadcast rights deal for the FA Cup worth a reported $1 billion (₹6,688.85 crore).

The new agreement will run for six seasons starting in 2018/19.

Although the FA refused to specify an exact figure, the $1 billion figure has been widely reported in the British media.

“This is a hugely significant deal for the FA as a not-for-profit organisation,” said FA chief executive Martin Glenn. KERALA BLASTERS COME FROM BEHIND TO WIN MARGAO: Kerala Blasters FC came from behind to beat FC Goa 2-1 in an Indian Super League (ISL) match on Monday.

Goa made a positive start with a Julio Cesar goal in the 24th minute. Second half strikes by Mohammed Rafi and Kervens Belfort capped off a superb comeback by Kerala as they registered their first away win of the season.

With the win, Kerala are fifth on the standings with eight points from six matches, Goa are placed at the bottom with four points from as many matches.