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Farcelona

Barcelona could be forced to forfeit their 3-0 win over Osasuna after breaking a little-known FIFA rule.

Inigo Martinez was called up for Spain over the international break before withdrawing from the squad due to injury.

Despite this, the veteran defender started Barca’s 3-0 win in their rescheduled match against Osasuna on Thursday.

Osasuna believe that Martinez should not have been eligible and have released a statement to confirm they have filed an appeal.

As per FIFA rules, players who withdraw from duty for their country cannot play for their clubs until at least five days after the end of the break – unless the participation had been officially cleared by the federation, in this case, the RFEF.

It read: “On March 17, the Royal Spanish Football Federation announced on its communication channels that footballer Iñigo Martínez had been removed from the squad for medical reasons, specifically due to “internal parameniscitis in his right knee, as reported in the report received from FC Barcelona.” Similarly, that same day, the withdrawal of footballers Marc Casadó and Bryan Zaragoza from the Spanish national team was also announced for medical reasons. Zaragoza was the only one who joined the Spanish national team training camp to be evaluated by their medical services. It is evident that, in compliance with the aforementioned FIFA Regulations, neither of these players were eligible to participate in yesterday’s matchday 27 of LaLiga EA Sports, as the deadlines established by the regulations were not met.

“Since a medical leave is the justification for the withdrawal, as communicated by the RFEF itself, Club Atlético Osasuna believes that this case cannot be considered an exceptional situation that would render FIFA regulations inapplicable.

“The Navarrese club does consider the release of players Gerard Martín, Pablo Torre, and Fermín López from their second match with the Spanish Under-21 national team as a separate matter, as their withdrawal was not justified by a medical reason.

“However, Club Atlético Osasuna believes that Iñigo Martínez, 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.

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