Osasuna Protest Barcelona's Win Over Technicality

Barcelona's 3-0 win over Osasuna is under scrutiny as Osasuna appeals the result, citing a technicality involving Inigo Martinez's eligibility.

Osasuna has filed an appeal with the Spanish football federation (RFEF) regarding a technicality involving Barcelona fielding defender Inigo Martinez in their LaLiga game. Martinez had withdrawn from the Spain squad for their Nations League games due to a swollen right knee but played the full 90 minutes in Barcelona's 3-0 win, which moved the league leaders three points clear in LaLiga.

Osasuna's appeal centers on the claim that Martinez's participation in the match violated FIFA regulations. The club stated, “The club understands that the participation of Inigo Martinez in yesterday's match violated article 5 of Annex I of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.” This regulation specifies that a player who does not join or leaves their national team for medical reasons may not play matches for their club during the five calendar days following the end of the international period.

PRESS RELEASE | Osasuna appeals FC Barcelona’s alleged ineligible lineup in LaLiga match.

— C. A. OSASUNA (@osasuna_en) March 28, 2025

Osasuna emphasized that Martinez's absence from the Spanish national team was due to medical reasons, making him ineligible to play in the match according to FIFA regulations. The club asserted, “Osasuna believes that Inigo Martinez... was not eligible to play in yesterday's match in accordance with FIFA regulations.”

The outcome of the match has significant implications for both teams, with Osasuna currently sitting 14th in the standings, six points clear of the relegation zone.

Barcelona's game against Girona will kick off 64 hours after the final whistle was blown against Osasuna.

Thursday's game was the first of seven games Barça will play in 20 days. pic.twitter.com/RcagKrBeck

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 28, 2025

The scheduling of the match was affected by unforeseen circumstances. Initially, Barcelona were set to play Osasuna on March 8, but the game was rescheduled to March 27 due to the death of Barcelona's club doctor. This change resulted in the match being played just four days after Spain's international match, as no alternative date was available. Despite appeals from both clubs to postpone the fixture, their requests were rejected.

The tight scheduling and rejection of their appeals had a significant impact on Barcelona's team selection. Manager Xavi was unable to field some of his key players, including top scorer Raphinha, who had just returned from international duty.