RFEF’s competition committee have dismissed Osasuna‘s appeal over the alleged ineligibility of Barcelona‘s Inigo Martinez for the La Liga meeting between the two sides at the end of last month.
The two teams were initially due to lock horns on March 8, but the fixture was postponed following the tragic news that Barcelona’s first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia had passed away.
The fixture was rescheduled for March 27, which was controversial as it came just after the international break, and Barcelona were without the services of key attacker Raphinha due to his involvement for Brazil less than 48 hours before.
Martinez returned from a knee injury to feature in the starting XI, but Osasuna had claimed that the Spain international was not eligible for the fixture due to his withdrawal from the La Roja squad.
The defender pulled out of the Spain squad ahead of their UEFA Nations League double-header against the Netherlands with a swollen knee.
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 unless permission has been granted.
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Osasuna launched an appeal over Martinez’s involvement
“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.”
Barcelona, who recorded a 3-0 victory in the La Liga contest, are always believed to have been confident that no breach had taken place, having received permission from Spain.
However, if an investigation had concluded that Martinez was indeed ineligible, then the result of the match could be overturned, which would have a major impact on the title race in the closing stages of the season.
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Osasuna’s appeal has been dismissed by RFEF’s competition committee
RFEF’s competition committee has found that there was no infringement from Barcelona, as Martinez’s withdrawal from the Spain squad was in accordance with the regulations.
However, it seems that the situation is not fully resolved, as according to BBC Sport, Osasuna plan to launch a second appeal.
Barcelona are currently four points clear of second-placed Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table, while Osasuna sit down in 14th spot in the division, seven points clear of the relegation zone.
