Osasuna have launched an official appeal to the Spanish Football Federation, claiming that Inigo Martinez was not eligible to take to the field for Barcelona in Thursday’s La Liga contest.
The two teams were initially due to lock horns on March 8, but the match was postponed at the final moment following the news that Barcelona’s first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia had passed away.
The fixture was rescheduled for March 27, and Barcelona secured all three points in routine fashion, running out 3-0 winners courtesy of goals from Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski.
Martinez returned from a knee injury to take to the field for the first whistle, but Osasuna are claiming that the Spain international was not eligible for the fixture due to his withdrawal from the La Roja squad.
The centre-back puled out of the Spain squad ahead of their UEFA Nations League double-header against Netherlands with a swollen knee, and according to Article 5 of FIFA regulations, if a player withdraws from their national team due to injury, they must not play for their club team until five days after their nation’s most recent match.
Osasuna claim Martinez was ineligible for Thursday’s La Liga clash
Spain’s second leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final with Netherlands was played on Sunday, only four days before the game against Osasuna, which could potentially have made him ineligible.
Osasuna have confirmed that they have launched an official appeal to the Spanish Football Federation.
“Club Atletico Osasuna believes that Inigo Martinez, whose absence from the Spanish national team was due to a medical leave, was not eligible to play in yesterday’s match in accordance with Fifa regulations,” read a statement from Osasuna.
“In light of this, the Navarrese club has decided to file an appeal for improper fielding in defence of his rights, the fairness of the competition, and the equality of all participants.”
What will be the outcome?
Barcelona are believed to be confident that they are in the clear, having received permission from Spain for Martinez to face Osasuna, which would mean that no breach has taken place.
However, if an investigation concludes that Martinez was indeed ineligible, then the result of Thursday’s match could be overturned, handing Osasuna all three points, while a points deduction may also follow.
Barcelona were unable to field Raphinha on Thursday night due to the forward’s involvement for Brazil on Tuesday evening, but Ronald Araujo was on the bench despite his late return from international duty with Uruguay.
Hansi Flick‘s side moved three points clear at the top of the La Liga table courtesy of their three-goal success over Osasuna, and they will be back in action against Girona on Sunday afternoon.
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