Osasuna’s Complaint Over Barcelona’s Inigo Martinez Dismissed as Spanish FA Confirms His Release

Osasuna had filed a complaint to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) regarding participation of Inigo Martínez.

In a rescheduled match between Osasuna and Barcelona, Osasuna lost 3-0 to the Cataland side. Following the defeat, the visiting team filed a complaint to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) regarding participation of Barcelona’s Inigo Martínez in the game.

They cited FIFA regulations, which state that players who withdraw from international duty due to injury cannot play for their club within five days of the last match of the international window. However, according to Marca, the RFEF has dismissed the complaints, stating that If the national federation explicitly release a player, the rule doesn’t apply.

PRESS RELEASE | Osasuna appeals FC Barcelona’s alleged ineligible lineup in LaLiga match.
— C. A. OSASUNA (@osasuna_en) March 28, 2025

Notably, Martínez missed Spain’s UEFA Nations League quarter-final against the Netherlands due to a knee issue. However, he started for Barcelona against Osasuna just four days after Spain’s last match.

Barcelona’s 3-0 Win Over Osasuna Will Count

As a result, Barcelona’s win over Osasuna will stand. With that, Barcelona now go at the top of the La Liga table. Osasuna’s frustration, however, was not just about Martinez but also about the perceived disparity in how injuries were handled.

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To further fuel Osasuna’s frustration, unlike Martínez, Bryan Zaragoza was required to report to Madrid to justify his unavailability. Meanwhile, Barcelona remained unconcerned throughout the episode, confident that they had adhered to the rules.

Also Read: “We’re Not Machines” – Barcelona Defender Jules Kounde Becomes the Latest Player to Call Out Hectic Fixture Scheduling

Barcelona’s confidence stemmed from past cases where players, once officially withdrawn from international duty, were cleared to play for their clubs. Notably, in 2004, Osasuna themselves benefited from a similar ruling. Their John Aloisi played just four days after being removed from Australia’s squad due to injury.

Anothwr similar case in 2006 saw Espanyol’s complaint against Barcelona dismissed. Xavi and Carles Puyol featured in the Spanish Super Cup that time despite withdrawing from Spain’s squad. Given these precedents and the RFEF’s stance, Osasuna’s challenge was unlikely to succeed anyway.

Barcelona

Barcelona vs Osasuna

Inigo Martinez

La Liga

Osasuna

RFEF

Spain

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.