Inigo Martinez did not join up with the recent Spain squad because of a knee injury

Osasuna Claim Barcelona Player Was Ineligible

La Liga Controversy: Osasuna Challenge Barcelona’s Use of Iñigo Martínez

The drama in La Liga has taken another twist, with Osasuna officially lodging an appeal against Barcelona, claiming that defender Iñigo Martínez was ineligible to play in their recent clash.

Osasuna’s appeal, submitted to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), argues that Martínez’s participation violated FIFA regulations after he missed international duty due to injury.

This controversy has put Barcelona under scrutiny once again, raising questions about the application of FIFA’s five-day rule, which restricts players from featuring for their clubs shortly after skipping international duty.

Why Osasuna Are Protesting

The heart of Osasuna’s argument lies in FIFA’s rules regarding player eligibility.

🔹 Martínez was called up to Spain’s national team for the recent international break but did not report for duty due to a knee injury.
🔹 According to FIFA regulations, if a player is excused from international duty due to injury, they cannot play for their club within five days of their national team’s last match—unless they receive special permission from their federation.
🔹 Spain’s final international fixture took place on March 26, against the Netherlands in the Nations League.
🔹 Barcelona’s match against Osasuna was played on March 27—just one day after the international break ended and four days after Spain’s last game.

Despite this, Martínez played the full 90 minutes in Barcelona’s 3-0 victory over Osasuna.

Osasuna’s Official Statement

Following the match, Osasuna released an official statement, arguing that Martínez should not have been eligible:

“Club Atlético Osasuna believes that Iñigo Martínez, 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. In light of this, the Navarrese club has decided to file an appeal for improper fielding in defense of its rights, the fairness of the competition, and the equality of all participants.”

This appeal now puts pressure on La Liga authorities to investigate the matter and determine whether Barcelona have breached FIFA regulations.

Could Barcelona Face Consequences?

Osasuna to File Complaint Against Barcelona Over Alleged Ineligible Player

Osasuna’s appeal raises a serious question: If FIFA’s rule was broken, what could be the consequences for Barcelona?

Potential Outcomes

If Osasuna’s appeal is upheld, Barcelona could face a severe penalty, including:

⚠️ Forfeiting the match – Barcelona could lose the game by default with a 3-0 result awarded to Osasuna.
⚠️ A fine or disciplinary action – FIFA or the RFEF could impose a financial penalty or sanctions against the club.
⚠️ No action taken – If Barcelona received approval from the Spanish FA, the appeal could be dismissed.

Given Barcelona’s tight race for La Liga’s top spots, a forfeit could have serious implications for their season.

Barcelona’s Response & Injury Woes

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So far, Barcelona have not officially commented on the appeal, but club sources suggest they believe they followed proper procedures.

Manager Hansi Flick, who has already voiced frustration over the match’s scheduling, may find himself dealing with yet another unwanted controversy.

Adding to Barcelona’s problems, midfielder Dani Olmo has been ruled out for three weeks after suffering a right adductor injury in the match against Osasuna.

Olmo’s Injury & Its Impact

🔹 Olmo played both of Spain’s Nations League matches before returning to Barcelona.
🔹 He scored a penalty in the 3-0 win over Osasuna but had to be substituted in the first half.
🔹 His absence further complicates Flick’s plans, as the team also missed Raphinha, who was recovering from Brazil duty.

Flick had already criticized the scheduling of the match, arguing that it placed an unnecessary strain on players returning from international duty.

“We have had very little time to prepare for this game. The calendar is tough, and we have to be smart about how we manage our squad.” – Hansi Flick

What’s Next?

Osasuna’s appeal is now in the hands of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, who must decide whether Barcelona fielded an ineligible player.

🚨 Key Questions That Will Determine the Verdict:
✅ Did Barcelona have permission from the Spanish FA to play Martínez?
✅ Will FIFA or La Liga enforce the five-day rule strictly?
✅ Could this set a precedent for future international duty-related disputes?

With Barcelona’s title race heating up, any decision against them could have major repercussions.