The jury for the annual award, scheduled to take place on January 13 in Zurich, Switzerland, comprises specialist journalists, national team coaches and captains. All three groups account for 33 percent of the final votes. The award is jointly organized by FIFA, the world football governing body, and the French Football magazine.[break]
"French Football magazine informed me that they have selected me for voting from Nepal. They might have selected me after reading my column in Republica," said the 35-year-old Gautam.
"It is an honor for me to cast vote in order to select the best players globally," said Gautam, who has been a regular fortnight columnist for Republica´s Friday edition, The Week, for nearly a year. Gautam has also served as the development director at the Asian Football Confederation. He is also the vice-president of A division football club Machhindra FC.
Along with Gautam, national skipper Sagar Thapa and coach Jack Stefanowski will also be eligible to cast their votes. Altogether 23 players, including Franck Ribery of France, Lionel Messi of Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Neymar of Brazil, have been nominated for the award.
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