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Osasuna consider filing an appeal over participation of veteran Barcelona defender – report
Barcelona consolidated their position at the top of the league table thanks to a convincing 3-0 victory over Osasuna at Montjuic.
It was a formidable performance from the Catalans, with the likes of Dani Olmo, Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres finding the back of the net. However, Barça’s win was overshadowed by controversy over Inigo Martinez’s participation in the game.
According to Diario SPORT, Osasuna are considering filing a formal appeal against the defender’s participation.
What’s the controversy?
The bone of contention revolves around a potential breach of FIFA regulations following Martinez’s withdrawal from Spain’s national team due to injury.
The veteran defender was initially called up by Spain coach Luis de la Fuente for the recent international break but was forced to pull out after suffering an injury in his right knee.
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Osasuna could launch an appeal against Inigo Martinez’s participation. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Replaced by Dean Huijsen, he remained in Barcelona to recover, which allowed him to start alongside Eric Garcia in last night’s clash.
With Pau Cubarsi injured and Ronald Araujo arriving late from Uruguay duty, Martinez’s inclusion was crucial for a depleted Barça defense that kept a clean sheet.
He offered leadership and experience at the heart of the four-man backline that kept the Osasuna attack at bay.
However, Osasuna believe his participation may have violated a FIFA rule stipulating a five-day waiting period after an injury withdrawal from international duty, unless explicitly cleared by the federation.
Therefore, the club plans to request clarification from RFEF to determine whether or not Martinez was allowed to play for Barcelona last night.
Former Barça director and lawyer Toni Freixa dismissed Osasuna’s chances, asserting there’s “no legal basis” for the appeal to succeed. But it will be interesting to see how things transpire in the coming days.
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