Osasuna challenge Barcelona's use of Inigo Martinez, citing FIFA regulations

Osasuna has lodged an appeal with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), arguing that Barcelona should not have played defender Inigo Martinez in their LaLiga match due to a technicality. Martinez, who missed Spain’s Nations League fixtures with a swollen right knee, was on the pitch for the full 90 minutes in Barcelona’s dominant 3-0 victory on Thursday, a win that extended their lead at the top of LaLiga by three points.

In a statement, Osasuna asserted that Martinez’s participation violated FIFA regulations, referencing Article 5 of Annex I of the governing body's rules on player status and transfers. The club emphasized that, according to the regulations, any player excused from international duty for medical reasons is ineligible to play for their club for five calendar days after the conclusion of the international break. Osasuna argued that Martinez, who had been unavailable for Spain due to medical reasons, should not have been allowed to feature in the match.

The defeat left Osasuna in 14th place, maintaining a six-point buffer above the relegation zone. The match itself had been rescheduled from its original March 8 date to March 27 following the passing of Barcelona’s club doctor, as no alternative date was available. Both teams had sought to postpone the fixture further, but their appeals were denied. As a result, Barcelona had to play without key players such as Raphinha, who had only just returned from international duty.

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