Osasuna file appeal over Barcelona fielding Martinez in 3-0 win

Osasuna have filed a complaint with the Spanish football federation (RFEF), alleging defender Inigo Martinez was ineligible to face them in LaLiga on Thursday.

Martinez, who withdrew from the Spain squad for their Nations League games after suffering from a swollen right knee, played the full 90 minutes in Barcelona’s 3-0 victory, which moved them three points clear of second-placed Real Madrid.

But Osasuna have now appealed to the RFEF over Martinez’s availability, claiming his selection violated FIFA regulations.

Referencing those regulations in a club statement, Osasuna said: “FIFA specifies that a player who does not join or leaves his national team for medical reasons may not play matches for his club during the five calendar days following the end of the international period.

“Osasuna believes that Inigo Martinez, whose absence from the Spain team was due to a medical leave, was not eligible to play in yesterday’s match in accordance with FIFA regulations.”

The result left Osasuna 14th in the standings, six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Barcelona were originally meant to play Osasuna on March 8, but the death of their club doctor forced the game to be rescheduled to March 27.

With Barca due to face Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-finals next Wednesday and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals across the two following midweek slots, no other dates were available.

Both clubs had appeals for the fixture to be postponed rejected, with Barca unable to field Brazil winger Raphinha due to the quick turnaround following his nation’s fixtures.

Goals from Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski handed Barca victory – their eighth in a row in LaLiga.