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Barcelona learn outcome of Osasuna appeal over ineligible player, but what happens now?

What now? Barca learn outcome of Osasuna appeal over ineligible player
© Imago
RFEF's competition committee dismiss Osasuna's appeal over the alleged ineligibility of Barcelona's Inigo Martinez for their La Liga meeting last month.

RFEF's competition committee have dismissed Osasuna's appeal over the alleged ineligibility of Barcelona's Inigo Martinez for the La Liga meeting between the two sides at the end of last month.

The two teams were initially due to lock horns on March 8, but the fixture was postponed following the tragic news that Barcelona's first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia had passed away.

The fixture was rescheduled for March 27, which was controversial as it came just after the international break, and Barcelona were without the services of key attacker Raphinha due to his involvement for Brazil less than 48 hours before.

Martinez returned from a knee injury to feature in the starting XI, but Osasuna had claimed that the Spain international was not eligible for the fixture due to his withdrawal from the La Roja squad.

The defender pulled out of the Spain squad ahead of their UEFA Nations League double-header against the Netherlands with a swollen knee.

According to Article 5 of FIFA regulations, if a player withdraws from their national team due to injury, they must not play for their club team until five days after their nation's most recent match unless permission has been granted.

Barcelona's Dani Olmo celebrates scoring against Osasuna on March 27, 2025© Imago

Osasuna launched an appeal over Martinez's involvement

"Club Atletico Osasuna believes that Inigo Martinez, 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," read a statement from Osasuna.

"In light of this, the Navarrese club has decided to file an appeal for improper fielding in defence of his rights, the fairness of the competition, and the equality of all participants."

Barcelona, who recorded a 3-0 victory in the La Liga contest, are always believed to have been confident that no breach had taken place, having received permission from Spain.

However, if an investigation had concluded that Martinez was indeed ineligible, then the result of the match could be overturned, which would have a major impact on the title race in the closing stages of the season.

Barcelona players celebrate Raphinha's goal on April 9, 2025© Iconsport

Osasuna's appeal has been dismissed by RFEF's competition committee

RFEF's competition committee has found that there was no infringement from Barcelona, as Martinez's withdrawal from the Spain squad was in accordance with the regulations.

However, it seems that the situation is not fully resolved, as according to BBC Sport, Osasuna plan to launch a second appeal.

Barcelona are currently four points clear of second-placed Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table, while Osasuna sit down in 14th spot in the division, seven points clear of the relegation zone.

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Written by
Matt Law

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona32234588325673
2Real Madrid32216565313469
3Atletico MadridAtletico32189553272663
4Athletic Bilbao321512549262357
5Villarreal311410755421352
6Real BetisBetis3214994540551
7Mallorca32128123137-644
8Celta Vigo32127134749-243
9Real Sociedad32126143236-442
10Rayo Vallecano321011113539-441
11Osasuna3291493946-741
12Getafe32109133129239
13Espanyol31108133440-638
14Valencia32911123648-1238
15Sevilla32910133543-837
16GironaGirona3297163951-1234
17Las PalmasLas Palmas3288163852-1432
18AlavesAlaves32710153446-1231
19Leganes32611152948-1929
20Real ValladolidValladolid3244242376-5316


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