Luis Suarez was absent for the FIFA Awards on Monday, in which Cristiano Ronaldo picked up yet another award for his collection. This time, the Portuguese claimed the 'The Best' award after his Ballon D'Or success in December.
It has turned out to be no accident that Suarez missed the occasion in Zurich (along with the other Barcelona players). The striker phoned FIFA himself to tell them that he would not show up, regardless of what his teammates decided on.
3�⃣0�⃣0�⃣ El Messi (124) Neymar (76) and Suárez (100) now have 300 goals between them since they began to play together #FCBlive pic.twitter.com/ciGrq2KP18
Barcelona claimed that they had elected not to travel to the awards because they needed to prepare for their Copa del Rey fixture against Athletic Bilbao on the Wednesday, and Lionel Messi was rumoured not to be keen to go only to watch Ronaldo beat him to another award.
In the case of Suarez himself, the reason is far more concrete.Sportreport that the striker is still furious with the organisation after their decision to ban him for nine international games in 2014, for biting Giorgio Chiellini in the World Cup.
He was banned from football altogether for four months.
Real Madrid stars including Cristiano Ronaldo were a bit upset by Barcelona's no-show at the Best FIFA awards.  https://t.co/W9Loju6ltu pic.twitter.com/8QSi0gArH7
Ronaldo celebrated with a prize for the umpteenth time, and possibly aimed a jab at Barcelona in the meantime after their draw with Villarreal left them struggling in the La Liga title race.
I'm just very happy," Ronaldo boasted on the stage."I'm sorry some people from Barcelona aren't here, but that's understandable.�
You just can't believe that Suarez could take umbrage with FIFA. How could anybody get angry at such a well-run, delightful and completely moral organisation?