GOAL, citing El Partidazo de Cope, said Barcelona defender and Ballon d'Or nominee Pau Cubarsi will not travel to London for the Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday 26 October. The event is set to take place at the London Palladium.
Decision to stay away
GOAL said El Partidazo de Cope revealed that Cubarsi will stay away from London and the ceremony.
Reason given
GOAL said journalist Helena Condis explained that Cubarsi needs rest and distance from the spotlight after finishing the Clasico against Real Madrid with a slight rise in temperature.
Awards context
Cubarsi is on the Ballon d'Or shortlist and is a strong contender for the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best young player in the world. Lamine Yamal is in the running for the Kopa Trophy.
Ceremony details
Organisers had not officially named the winners before proceedings began. This edition marks 70 years since the award's founding.