FC Barcelona stars Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta and Luis Suarez will not attend the FIFA Gala ‘The Best Awards’ in Zurich, Switzerland, from 6.30 pm CET.

The Blaugrana confirmed it in an official statement on Monday morning, reading “With the aim of prioritizing the preparation for the game on Wednesday against Athletic Club, FC Barcelona have decided that the players recognised by the FIFA The Best Awards will not go.”

The four Barcelona stars, in the FIFPro team of the year would have had to head to Zurich to attend, with the team in action on Wednesday.

FC Barcelona have confirmed on their official website that Club President Josep Maria Bartomeu is going, as is Vice president Jordi Mestre, director of professional sports Albert Soler, director of football Raul Sanllehi, CEO Oscar Grau and sporting director Robert Fernandez.

They added: “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.”