Domino effect in Paris: Russian set to play, Ukrainian (un)expectedly ruled out
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 06.12.25. | 16:18
Although the absence of the defender Ilya Zabarnyi is a surprise for the French media, the fact that the keeper Matvei Safonov may start tonight provides a sufficient explanation
The long-lasting conflict between Russia and Ukraine has taken its toll in various ways, and sports haven't been spared. The examples of tension between athletes from these two countries are numerous, and the latest one comes from Paris.
With Paris Saint-Germain's first-choice custodian Lucas Chevalier sidelined for injury, his understudy, the Russian Matvey Safonov, may make his maiden start of the season tonight against Rennes in Ligue 1 (23.05).
However, when the Saints announced the list of players Luis Enrique will have at his disposal for the duel against the crew from the west of France, one name was noticeably missing - Ilya Zabarnyi.
Zabarnyi forfait, le jour où Safonov doit être titularisé avec le PSG !
— Nizzague (@Nizzague) December 6, 2025
Coïncidence j'imagine ! https://t.co/udSvWj7qZ8
And while the French media were surprised that the Ukrainian was ruled out, and the club tried to justify his absence with the alleged illness, the truth was crystal clear.
Therefore, RMC Sport deliberately reminded the public of Zabarnyi's claims regarding Russia and his relationship with its athletes.
"Russia is a terrorist state. The war continues, and I have no relationship with Russians. As for my teammate, I have to interact with him professionally in training, and I will fulfill my obligations to the club."
"While the war continues, I fully support the complete isolation of Russian football from the world," the 23-year-old centre-back had stated.
In the pre-match press conference, the journalists asked Luis Enrique whether Safonov would start, but the Spaniard acted diplomatically, refusing to reveal his hand.
"I don't want to say anything about any player. Safonov or Renato (Marin), or whoever is in goal, it will be a good option for the team," he said as per RMC Sport.
Nevertheless, however much they are concealed, some things are obvious.
LIGUE 1 ROUND 14
Friday
Brest - Monaco 1-0 (1-0)
/Doumbia 28/
Lille - Olympique Marseille 1-0 (1-0)
/Mbappe 10/
Saturday
19.00: (5.00) Nantes (3.90) Lens (1.70)
21.00: (2.55) Toulouse (3.45) Strasbourg (2.90)
23.05: (1.33) PSG (5.90) Rennes (9.50)
Sunday
17.00: (2.00) Nice (3.45) Angers (3.80)
19.15: (2.05) Auxerre (3.50) Metz (3.90)
19.15: (2.80) Le Havre (3.05) Paris (2.70)
22.45: (3.35) Lorient (3.40) Olympique Lyon (2.30)
***odds are subject to change***
