Georgia Stanway: Better planning needed so female players can attend Ballon d'Or ceremony
Ballon d'Or nominee Georgia Stanway says it is «unfortunate» that female players nominated for the award cannot attend the ceremony due to poor planning and clashes with international duty.
The 24-year-old is one of four England players nominated for football's most prestiguous individual award, joining Millie Bright, Mary Earps and Rachel Daly on the 30-strong shortlist.
But with round four of the Women's Nations League group stage taking place on Tuesday, players will miss out on attending the event at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris as they undertake matchday minus one preparations.
Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman has confirmed that none of her players will be attendance in the French capital, and Stanway says that although her nomination is «very cool», it's «unfortunate» that the players will not be there to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the experience.
«It's very cool,» Stanway admitted about being nominated. «Obviously, it's nice to get the accolade as well as a lot of the teammates in the Lionesses. It's unfortunate that we couldn't be there.
»We spoke about it as a group and said it would be nice in the future if the ceremony wasn't on a matchday minus one day so we can all enjoy the experience.
"[It is frustrating] because it's a potentially once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You never know if you'll get selected for such an accolade like that again. It would be nice to enjoy the experience and be there.
«You want to feel like a star among the stars. We've got a game tomorrow unfortunately, but if it was planned a little better then it would be easier for a lot of female footballers to be there.»
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