Erling Haaland set to be denied seven-figure Man City bonus because of 'scandal'

Erling Haaland could be denied a reported seven-figure bonus in his Manchester City contract - if he does not win the men's Ballon d'Or this year.

Haaland is one of the frontrunners for the award, and will be competing with the likes of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe to take home the top prize.

The Norwegian broke the Premier League record for most goals in a season (39) last term, and helped City to win the Champions League - part of a treble - for the first time in their history.

But it is Messi who is widely expected to win the award, given his World Cup success with Argentina. As well as lifting the trophy in Qatar, the 36-year-old was also given the Golden Boot as the best player in the tournament.

Some have argued that the Argentinian should not win the award, given he no longer plays in one of the top five European leagues. That's despite his impressive form since joining MLS side Inter Miami in the summer.

And one of those dissenters is West Ham star Michail Antonio, who believes it would be a 'scandal' if Haaland is not one of the 2023 men's Ballon d'Or winner.

Speaking on his podcast, 'The Footballer's Football Podcast', Antonio explained: "I understand Messi winning the World Cup is massive, but you can't look past a treble-winning team and what Haaland brought to that, breaking records.

"He deserves that Ballon d'Or. If he doesn't get it, it's a scandal."

His co-host, Newcastle forward Callum Wilson, echoed those thoughts: "What Haaland did last season can't be overlooked. If you take away international football and compare statistically, Haaland should win the award.

"You can't look past Messi winning his first World Cup, that is a big contributing factor.

"But club football-wise, he's been playing in America, which is very different to Haaland in the Premier League."

It is reported that, should Haaland lift the prestigious award, he will net a sum of £1 million from a bonus contained within his current City contract.

Who do you think should win the 2023 Ballon d'Or? Let us know in the comments.

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