After reports noting that Los Rojillo were considering taking action, Osasuna have confirmed they have filed a complaint about Barcelona fielding an ineligible player during their night on Thursday night. They cite a FIFA regulation that would in theory prevent Inigo Martinez from featuring in the game.
The match ended in a 3-0 win for Barcelona, courtesy of goals from Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski, but Martinez’s presence was in breach of FIFA regulations, which could result in sanctions, a points deduction, or Osasuna being awarded a 3-0 win. Martinez was diagnosed with a knee injury before the international break, and pulled out of the Spain squad. According to FIFA regulations, players cannot play in the five days subsequent to the last game for their nation in a window if they have missed it through injury.
Barcelona are reportedly relaxed about the situation, as detailed by Sport, citing two failed previous complaints. One in 2004, with RCD Mallorca challenging John Aloisi’s presence for Osasuna, where his exit from the national team was announced the same day of the game. In 2006, Espanyol filed a similar complaint against Barcelona for using Xavi Hernandez and Carles Puyol after Spain duty, both of which were dismissed.
Jules Koundé: “I think it’s disrespectful to the clubs and the players to schedule a match on a date like today. We’re not robots. If we want to keep putting on this show, we need a rest. Whether it’s Barça, Madrid, or Osasuna.”
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 27, 2025
There is a caveat to the rule, where if clubs and the Federation agree to release a player, they can then feature for the club. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have reportedly clarified that this was the case.
Yet Osasuna have explained the basis of their argument. Osasuna winger Bryan Zaragoza joined up with the Spain squad and was released after examination, while Martinez and Marc Casado did not join up with the Spain team at Las Rozas. The under-21 side did release Gerard Martin, Pablo Torre and Fermin Lopez, but that decision was not medically related, whereas as Martinez’s absence was medical in their opinion. The decision is now set to go to a Federation tribunal, which will evaluate their claims.
