Barcelona have confirmed that none of their players will attend the Best FIFA Awards gala in Zurich on Monday.
Lionel Messi – nominated for the Best FIFA Men's Player prize – had been expected to travel to Switzerland along with Luis Suarez, Neymar and Gerard Pique.
"With the aim of prioritising preparations for Wednesday's game against Athletic Club, FC Barcelona have decided that the players recognised in the Gala The Best FIFA Awards, which takes place on Monday in Zurich, will not be travelling to Switzerland for the ceremony," a club statement read.
"The club's delegation is led by president Josep Maria Bartomeu, sporting vice-president Jordi Mestre, director Silvio Elias, CEO Oscar Grau, Albert Soler (director of professional sports), Robert Fernandez (first team technical secretary) and Raul Sanllehi (director of football).
"FC Barcelona thank FIFA, its president Gianni Infantino and the executive structure for the organisation's help in being able to take part in today's Gala. The club expresses their recognition and support for the Best FIFA Awards."
