Osasuna Challenges Barcelona Match Result

Osasuna has decided to challenge the outcome of their recent match against Barcelona. The Pamplona-based club claims that Barcelona fielded an ineligible player during their 3-0 victory. Osasuna officially announced their decision to contest the match result in a formal statement.

The controversy centers around Barcelona’s decision to play Iñigo Martinez, who may have violated one of FIFA’s regulations. According to FIFA rules, if a player withdraws from national team duty due to injury, they are not permitted to play for their club until at least five days after their national team’s last match. Martinez, who was dropped from the Spain squad due to injury, played in the match on Thursday, March 27, while Spain’s last game was on Sunday, March 23. This timing suggests that Martinez’s appearance may have breached FIFA’s rule.

The specific FIFA regulation states: “If a player does not report or withdraws from national team duty due to injury, they cannot play for their club during the five days following the last match of the international window, unless the national federation explicitly releases the player.”

After consulting with the Royal Spanish Football Federation about the reason for Martinez’s absence from the national team, Osasuna has decided to formally challenge the match result. The case will now be reviewed by the Competition Committee for a final decision.