Osasuna have formally appealed to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following Barcelona’s 3-0 win on Thursday, arguing that defender Inigo Martinez was ineligible to play under FIFA regulations.
Martinez, who had withdrawn from Spain’s squad for their Nations League matches due to a swollen knee, featured for the full 90 minutes in Barcelona’s victory, which saw them extend their lead at the top of La Liga.
In their statement, Osasuna cited Article 5 of Annex I of FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, which states that any player who misses international duty for medical reasons is prohibited from playing for their club within five calendar days of the end of the international window.
“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,” the club said.
The match had initially been scheduled for March 8 but was postponed following the death of a Barcelona club doctor. The rescheduled fixture, held on March 27, fell just four days after Spain’s final international match, leaving the situation in apparent breach of the five-day rule.
Barcelona were already dealing with selection challenges, as several players returning from international duty, including key forward Raphinha, were unavailable due to the tight turnaround. Both clubs had previously had their appeals for a further postponement rejected.
Osasuna, who sit 14th in the table and six points above the relegation zone, will await the outcome of the appeal, which could have implications for the result and standings as La Liga enters its final weeks.
