Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League final preparations were overshadowed by a reported bitter dispute between two of their key players.
Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, 27, and Ukrainian centre-back Ilya Zabarnyi, 23, have allegedly been embroiled in a tense standoff stemming from the ongoing conflict between their home nations.
According to BILD, the pair share no personal relationship whatsoever due to their respective nationalities.
Russia and Ukraine have been engaged in full-scale war for four years, creating an unavoidable tension between the two teammates at the French club.
Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov has no relationship with Ukrainian centre-back Ilya Zabarnyi
|REUTERS
Despite the internal strife, PSG entered the showpiece event at the Stade de France as defending champions, having lifted the trophy for the first time last season.
The tensions reportedly manifested in concrete incidents during the squad's build-up to the final.
The duo allegedly declined to shake hands when they faced one another in an internal practice match, according to reports.
Training sessions have also been affected, with claims the pair deliberately keep their distance from each other, prompting intervention from PSG's management.
PSG star Ilya Zabarnyi has spoken candidly about the situation involving his nation at war
|REUTERS
Zabarnyi, who joined the Parisian club in a major transfer after attracting interest from Tottenham, has spoken candidly about the situation.
The former Bournemouth defender stated: "In my country, a full-scale war has been raging for four years."
He has acknowledged that his communication with Safonov is limited strictly to professional matters.
When asked whether he wished to address Zabarnyi's comments, the goalkeeper simply responded: "I won't."
Despite the internal discord, PSG managed to successfully defend their European crown on the night.
Ousmane Dembele scored for PSG in normal time as Arsenal were defeated in the Champions League final | GETTYThe final against Arsenal proved to be a tightly contested affair, ultimately requiring a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
Arsenal's Gabriel proved to be the unfortunate figure, sending his crucial spot-kick sailing high over the crossbar to hand the trophy to the French side.
The victory marked back-to-back Champions League triumphs for PSG, who claimed their maiden title last season with a comprehensive 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan.
Football clubs with the most Champions League titles | GETTY/GB NEWSThat emphatic win featured a double from Desire Doue alongside strikes from Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Senny Mayulu.