Barcelona Players Will Not Attend FIFA Awards Ceremony This Evening

FC Barcelona have announced that none of their players will attend the FIFA awards in Zurich this evening.

The reason behind Barca's decision to swerve the ceremony is clear - they have prioritised Wednesday's Copa del Rey game against Athletic Bilbao over the event.

For some time now, Cristiano Ronaldo has been tipped to win 'The Best' award in Zurich tonight, with many suggesting that Barcelona's players are unhappy with the decision, but an official statement read:

"With the aim of prioritising the preparation of Wednesday's match against Athletic Club, FC Barcelona has decided that players recognised for 'The Best' FIFA Awards, held this afternoon in Zurich, will not attend.

"Barcelona is thankful to FIFA and the president Gianni Infantino, but they consider important the game against Athletic Club and they want their players to rest."

Barcelona players will miss the following awards during this evening's ceremony:

• The Best FIFA Men's Player
• The Best FIFA Women's Player
• The Best FIFA Men's Coach
• The Best FIFA Women's Coach
• The FIFA Fair Play Award
• The FIFA Puskas Award
• The FIFA Fan Award
• FIFA FIFPRO World XI

Luis Enrique, who was shortlisted for the Best Men's Coach award before being cut at the final hurdle, will also not attend.

Claudio Ranieri, Fernando Santos and Zinedine Zidane are the final three nominees.

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Featured Image Credit:

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_