Osasuna has filed an official appeal to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), claiming that Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez was ineligible to play during their La Liga clash on Thursday.
The match, which Barcelona won 3-0, was rescheduled from March 8 following the death of the club’s doctor, Carles Minarro Garcia.
Martinez, who missed Spain’s recent international fixtures due to a knee injury, played the full 90 minutes against Osasuna.
According to FIFA regulations, players who do not join their national team for medical reasons are prohibited from playing for their club within five days of the international window’s conclusion unless granted permission by their national FA. Osasuna argues that Martinez’s participation violated these rules.
In a statement, Osasuna emphasized their commitment to fair competition and equality, stating, “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.”
Barcelona, meanwhile, faces additional challenges as midfielder Dani Olmo has been ruled out for three weeks due to an adductor injury sustained during the match.
Olmo, who scored a penalty before being substituted in the first half, joins the list of players affected by the demanding schedule. Manager Hansi Flick criticized the timing of the rescheduled fixture, noting that star forward Raphinha was unavailable after returning from Brazil duty.
