FCBARCELONA.CAT

20.12.2009 18:27

Stars travel from Kuwait to Zurich

Edgar Fornós

Dani Alves, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta and Lionel Messi have left the FC Barcelona squad and travelled to Zurich to attend the FIFA World Player of the Year event.

The quartet of players have helped the Blaugrana to win six trophies in the calendar year and could make more history in Switzerland on Monday at the gala. Alves, Xavi, Iniesta and Messi will all fly out of Kuwait at 10am, local time, on Monday and will not be available for the friendly encounter against Kazma Sporting Club.

All four players have been nominated for the World Player of the Year gong by FIFA and will be present at the event in Kongresshause in Zurich.

Travelling party

President Joan Laporta, sporting vice-president Rafa Yuste, technical secretary Txiki Begiristain, institutional vice-president Albert Perrín, director of football and sporting organisations Raül Sanllehí and head of external relations Manel Estarte will also attend the gala.

Some of the players’ family members have also travelled to Switzerland to be at the event.

Busy day

The Barça party will land in Zurich at 13.55pm and travel to Hotel Park Hyatt before then going on to the arena where the ceremony will be held.

The first press conferences will take place at around 4pm with the gala kicking off at 7.30pm. Afterwards the Barça party will travel back to the Ciutat Contal.