Fri Apr 11 17:10:23 UTC 2025: ## Osasuna’s Protest Over Inigo Martinez’s Appearance Against Barcelona Rejected

**Pamplona, Spain** – LaLiga side Osasuna’s appeal to have Barcelona’s 3-0 victory overturned due to the alleged ineligible fielding of defender Inigo Martinez has been dismissed by the Spanish football federation (RFEF).

Osasuna argued that Martinez should not have played in the March 27th match, citing Article 5 of Annex I of FIFA Regulations. This article states a player withdrawing from international duty due to injury cannot play for their club within five days of the international period’s end. Martinez withdrew from the Spain squad due to a swollen knee, but played the full 90 minutes against Osasuna four days later.

The RFEF rejected Osasuna’s appeal, stating that by allowing Martinez to leave the Spain training camp without restrictions and subsequently issuing a release certificate, they implicitly chose not to apply the aforementioned rule. Osasuna strongly disputes this interpretation, claiming there was no public statement or communication from the RFEF indicating a waiver of the five-day restriction.

The club has announced its intention to appeal the RFEF’s decision to the Appeal Committee. Both Osasuna and Barcelona had previously had appeals to postpone the match, originally scheduled for March 8th and postponed due to the death of Barcelona’s club doctor, rejected. The outcome of this ongoing dispute could have significant implications for the LaLiga title race.

Read More