Figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate says he will now be able to use music from the ‘Minions’ film franchise in his performance at the Winter Olympics after receiving special dispensation from Universal Pictures. The six-time Spanish national champion said on Monday he learned a week before Friday’s opening ceremony that a copyright issue would prevent him from performing his men’s short programme routine.

Guarino Sabate, 26, wears blue overalls with yellow clothing underneath, and sometimes round grey goggles and black gloves, to look like a Minion from the films. However, it is the music that plays, which is a mix of tracks from the film, including “Freedom” by Pharrell Williams and “Vicious Funk” by Heitor Pereira, where his issues arose.

A post on Instagram from Monday first highlighted the issue. Guarino Sabate said: “Hello all, this season I have competed with my Minions routine to bring joy and a fun style to the ice, while complying with all of the obligatory elements and demonstrating that ice skating as a male Olympic figure skater can also be fun.

“I followed all the required procedures and sent my music through the ISU [International Skating Union] ClicknClear system in August, competing with this routine throughout the whole season. Regrettably, just days before the Olympics begin, I was informed that I am no longer allowed to perform this routine due to copyright issues.

“Finding out about this last Friday, so close to the most important competition of my life, was incredibly disappointing. Nevertheless, I will face this challenge head-on and do everything possible to make the best of the situation.

“To my fans, I wish I had better news, but I am profoundly grateful for your support this season. I promise to go onto the ice and give everything that I have got and perform routines that both you and I can feel proud of.”

The ISU shared a statement alluding to Guarino Sabate’s post on the same day. It read: “While the ISU does not have a contractual relationship with ClicknClear, we continue to work collaboratively with rights clearance stakeholders to ensure that thrilling performances can be accompanied by stirring music.”

Guarino Sabate then shared an update on Tuesday. He said: “A huge thank you to everyone who reposted, shared, and supported; because of you, Universal Studios reconsidered and officially granted the rights for this one special occasion.

“There are still a couple of things to be tied up with the other two music pieces of the program, but we are so close to accomplishing it, and it’s all thanks to you. I’m so happy to see that the minions hitting Olympic ice is becoming real again!”

The men’s short program in figure skating is scheduled for 10 February at 5:30pm GMT at the Milano Ice Skating Arena.