'It's a lie!' - Pedri fumes at reports of Dani Olmo rift leading to Spain boycott as Barcelona registration chaos hits national team

Olmo and Barca team-mate Pau Victor have been at the centre of a registration struggle, with the duo initially set to not play a part in the second half of the season due to the Blaugrana's financial problems. Rumours then circulated that Barca's stars would boycott Spain duty if Olmo was not picked - but midfielder Pedri has rejected such speculation.

He told reporters: "They [Olmo and Victor] were in a difficult position. I have tried to console Dani Olmo because making a trip to Saudi Arabia (for the Supercopa de Espana)without knowing if you are going to be able to play is complicated."

Pedri added: "I'm not going to say that I'm not going to be with the national team because of Dani Olmo. It's a lie that I hope no one has believed."

While Barca have been given the green light to play Olmo and Victor for now, La Liga are set to appeal this exemption and other clubs are said to be frustrated by this decision, too. And these problems will not go away until the Catalan outfit can sort out their huge financial issues.

Both Pedri and Olmo could feature for Barca on Sunday when they take on bitter rivals Real Madrid in the final of the Supercopa de Espana.