Barcelona in hot water over illegal lineup
Osasuna are investigating whether Barcelona violated a FIFA rule that prohibits a player who is out of the national team from playing for five days.
Osasuna will file an appeal to challenge last Thursday’s match against Barcelona at Montjuïc.
As reported by AS and officially confirmed by the club, Osasuna believes that Barcelona fielded an ineligible player due to the presence of Iñigo Martínez on the pitch. The club intends to present its case to the Competition Committee, arguing that Barcelona violated FIFA regulations.
Osasuna refers to a FIFA rule stating that if a player is injured while on international duty, they cannot play for their club until at least five days after their national team’s last match of that international window.
Centre-back Iñigo Martínez sustained an injury on March 16 during Barcelona’s LaLiga match against Atlético de Madrid at the Metropolitano, just before Spain’s training camp began on March 17. On the same day, it was announced that Martínez had withdrawn from the national team, and Dean Huijsen was called up as his replacement.
“If a player does not attend or withdraws from the national team due to injury, he may not play for his club for five days after the last match of the international window unless the national federation expressly releases him,” states the FIFA regulation Osasuna is citing in its appeal.
COMUNICADO OFICIAL | El Club Atlético Osasuna presenta un recurso por alineación indebida del Fútbol Club Barcelona en el partido de ayer.
— C. A. OSASUNA (@Osasuna) March 28, 2025
March Madness action coming up
Bruce Pearl’s shiny Auburn contract
However, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) maintains that the player was officially withdrawn from the squad following a medical report submitted by Barcelona. In fact, the Federation released a statement on March 17 confirming Martínez’s withdrawal and Huijsen’s replacement.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment
Your opinion will be published with first and last names