Germany head coach Joachim Low has opted not to vote for the winner of the Ballon d'Or this year because of the public revelation of each vote, the German FA have revealed.

Low has five of his international players up for the award, but the coach does not want to be seen selecting between Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller or Mesut Ozil.

"He is not able to vote in an impartial manner and therefore has decided to abstain," DFB spokesman Jens Gritter told Bild.

"On the one hand, it is an honour for German football to have five candidates among the shortlist but, as FIFA publishes the votes, that is something which puts the coach in a predicament."

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Franck Ribery are believed to be the frontrunners for the award.