Fabio Capello led the criticism of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for failing to attend FIFA's The Best awards on Monday night, despite both receiving nominations.
Ronaldo was up for the top award of best men's player, while Messi received a nomination for the Puskas award for best goal.
While Luka Modric, who scoped the top prize, and Mohamed Salah attended, their rivals were rebuked by several top figures for their absence.
Modric himself said: 'Everyone has their own reasons (for their absence). Obviously I would have like them to be here but they aren't.'
However Capello offered a more damning verdict for the two superstars who have dominated the awards for over a decade.
'The absence of Ronaldo and Messi? It is a lack of respect, for the players, for FIFA and for the world of football,' Capello told TVE.
'It is possible that they won too much and do not like to lose. In life you have to be good when you win and when you lose.'
Former Uruguay and Manchester United forward Diego Forlan was also critical, citing what he sees as a lack of respect for the event and their status as role models.
'It's a pity. Messi attended the gala last year and he didn't win,' said Forlan. 'It's a pity if it happens the same with Ronaldo than in the UEFA gala.
Ronaldo won the award for the last two years, as well as two FIFA Ballon d'Ors and once claiming FIFA World Player of the Year.
Messi, meanwhile, claimed four Ballons d'Or as well as one FIFA World Player of the Year honour.
Diego Forlan felt they both should have made an appearance, despite not winning the top award.
'It's an event of every player and it's important to be here. No matter who wins. A player has to show with his attitude and actions, because they are a model for the world'.
Croatian great Davor Suker also slammed their perceived lack of sportsmanship over the snub.
'You have to be a gentleman when you win, but also when you lose,' said Suker.
Source: Dailymail.co.uk
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Yes, I agree. those two shd never be given any award by UEFA and FIFA and if they do, I will agree with them that these two organizations are not serious. u guys have won these for the past ten years. As for Ronaldo, i dont know what the old lady has done to him. it looks like he has been bewitched by the old lady at juventus since moving there. he has lost his bearing.
Not sure which word you used and peacefm barred it but I support your view. Football is about friendship ,team work and respect for your fellow professionals. To shun the awards ceremony just because they did not win is totally unacceptable given their status in the game. Whilst what you do on the field wins you titles and awards they should remember that what you do off the field wins you respect and goodwill long after you have hanged your boots. It's part of the game and I expected the two of them to know that can't win all the time
These two are dead goats they should not go free. They should be punished
THEY ARE TWO ***barred word***.FIFA SHOULD OVERLOOK THEM FOR THE REST OF THEIR PLAYING DAYS.THEY SHOULD NEVER BE GIVEN ANY AWARD BY FIFA OR UEFA,PERIOD.