Soccer players celebrate a goal on the field while other players show discouragement. — Barcelona Celebrate Dani Olmo's Penalty Goal Against Osasuna | Agencia LOF

Camara — Barcelona Celebrate Dani Olmo's Penalty Goal Against Osasuna | Agencia LOF

Osasuna Could Challenge the Match Against Barça for Ineligible Lineup

Navarrese believe that the center-back couldn't play as the time set by FIFA after being out due to injury hadn't passed

28/03/2025 10:55:00h

Alex Moreno

The match between Barcelona and Osasuna continues to generate controversy. The Navarrese club is studying whether they can challenge the match due to a possible improper line-up by Barça with Íñigo Martínez.

According to FIFA regulations, a player who withdraws from their national team due to injury can't play with their club until five days after the last match of the international window. Spain played their last match on Sunday, so Íñigo Martínez would have played one day earlier than allowed.

Osasuna's legal services are investigating whether the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) officially released the player. If they did not, Barcelona would have committed an improper line-up.

The Situation of Íñigo Martínez

The center-back suffered an internal parameniscitis in his right knee and could not join the national team. The RFEF reported his withdrawal and drafted Dean Huijsen in his place.

Iñigo Martínez withdraws from the Spanish National Team squad due to a right knee injury; Luis de la Fuente calls up Dean Huijsen from AFC Bournemouth as a replacement.

RFEF Statement Announcing Íñigo Martínez's Withdrawal | RFEF

During the week, Íñigo underwent recovery work and on Monday returned to training with the group. Despite this, he was a starter against Osasuna.

If the irregularity is confirmed, Osasuna could file a challenge with the competent authorities. In that case, the Competition Committee would have to decide if Barcelona committed an improper line-up and, if so, apply the corresponding sanction.

The regulations state that, in the case of an improper line-up, the offending team loses the match 3-0 or, if the result was unfavorable, maintains the score against them.

Soccer players celebrating a goal enthusiastically on the field.

FC Barcelona Celebrate Dani Olmo's Goal | @inigomartinez

Since Hansi Flick's team won 3-0 with goals from Ferran, Dani Olmo, and Lewandowski, the result would become 0-3 against them. This could alter the LaLiga standings.

A Key Player for Barça

Íñigo Martínez has become a key piece in the culé defense. Against Osasuna, he shared the backline with Eric García due to absences in the defensive line. Araujo returned on Wednesday after his international commitments and Cubarsí could only complete one training session after getting injured with Spain.

Osasuna continues to gather information and will make a decision in the coming hours. The case could have significant consequences in the fight for European spots.

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