Barcelona are at odds with the Spanish FA over the speedy nationalisation of their 16-year-old star Ansu Fati, according to ESPN FC.
The report is in light of Fati likely being called up for the Under-17 World Cup which commences on 26 October and runs through until 17 November.
That means the player is likely to be unavailable for selection for the Blaugrana for a period of five weeks, which would rob Ernesto Valverde’s side of a player gaining increasing prominence.
Fati – born in Guinea Bissau and also eligible to play for Portugal – scored and assisted on his first start for the Blaugrana in their 5-2 win over Valencia on Saturday.
The 16-year-old is now set to play for Spain’s Under-17 side in next month’s World Cup in Brazil after the Spanish FA ensured the paperwork was processed, as outlined by El Mundo Deportivo.
Spain national team boss Robert Moreno outlined how the Federation were keen on nationalising the player, who moved to the nation as a child along with his parents.
“The people of the Federation are working on allowing Ansu Fati to play for us,” Moreno told reporters on Movistar TV, as cited by Marca.
“And then it will be the decision of the player (born in Guinea Bissau). The Federation works to have the best players.
“He is a joy when playing for Barça, a player who left the Masía. You have to be calm and I hope he has that.”
