FIFA extend Ballon d'Or voting period, Cristiano Ronaldo heavy favourite

FIFA have extended the voting period for this year's Ballon d'Or, seemingly opening the door for now-favourite Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid to receive more votes.

The initial deadline passed last Friday but now world football's governing body have reopened voting until next Friday, November 29 because of an initial low turnout.

Ronaldo's hat-trick for Portugal last night, which saw them advance to the World Cup at the expense of Sweden, looks likely to gain him more votes with nemesis Lionel Messi of Barcelona out injured.

FIFA will announce the three nominees for the award on December 9 before revealing the winner in Zurich on January 13.

Click here to see our numbers round-up of what has been an incredible year for Ronaldo, who previously won the Ballon d'Or in 2008.