The website "Calcio Mercato" revealed tension within the Paris Saint-Germain squad between Russian goalkeeper Matvei Safonov and Ukrainian defender Illya Zabarnyi, stemming from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, following Zabarnyi's absence from the team's match against Rennes in the French league.

The website explained that Zabarnyi's absence was due to illness, according to statements by coach Luis Enrique, who denied any connection between the matter and the geopolitical situation. He emphasized that his communication with the player is limited to professional matters during training, and that football should remain a tool for unity rather than a field for political conflicts.

The same source added that the statements made by Zabarnyi's wife, in which she attacked the Russian people, heightened the sensitivity of the situation. Some press reports indicated that the joint participation of Zabarnyi and Safonov could provoke widespread controversy in Ukraine, with the risk of being exploited by Russian propaganda.

The report indicated that Zabarnyi's commitment to his country remains ongoing and tangible; he has made significant donations to the Ukrainian army and soldiers' families. He also expressed his solidarity on social media, describing Russia as a terrorist state, following Ukraine's 2-0 victory over Iceland in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The report also addressed the future of Russian goalkeeper Safonov, confirming that the club trusts him and considers him an essential part of the team's project, with no discussions about the possibility of his departure so far.

The report confirmed that monitoring the upcoming matches will determine the possibility of Zabarnyi returning to play alongside Safonov, following his unexpected absence in the Rennes match. It also noted that any further sudden stoppage will be closely monitored by both the club and the fans.