Barcelona won 3-0 against Osasuna in a LaLiga match, but their use of an ineligible player, Inigo Martinez, is under investigation. Osasuna has appealed to the Spanish FA, claiming Martinez was wrongly fielded.
Although Martinez missed Spain’s international match last week due to a knee injury, he played the full 90 minutes in the LaLiga game. The Spanish national team stated that Martinez left their squad after Barcelona’s medical report showed his injury. He was replaced by Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth in the Spain squad.
Osasuna argues that Martinez’s participation in the match violated FIFA rules. According to FIFA, any player who misses an international match due to injury cannot play for their club within five days after their country’s last game, unless approved by the national federation.
Martinez played against Osasuna just four days after Spain’s Nations League match with the Netherlands, which could lead to penalties for Barcelona. The punishment could include a points deduction or the match result being overturned, which would impact Barcelona’s position at the top of LaLiga.
Osasuna, currently in 14th place, is desperate for points, and it’s unclear if Martinez had permission from the Spanish FA to leave training. The timing of the match, moved last minute after Barcelona’s club doctor passed away, may help Barcelona in their defense.
