Following rumours that Barcelona might have fielded an ineligible player during Thursday night’s La Liga match, Osasuna is carefully considering its options. The team led by Hansi Flick easily won 3-0 at home, with goals from Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and Robert Lewandowski. As the season approaches its final stretch, the victory guaranteed that La Blaugrana would remain three points clear of their long-time rivals, Real Madrid, at the top of the table.
However, after it was revealed that Inigo Martínez might not have been allowed to play at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, their hard-won victory could now be seriously threatened. If the accusations are verified, Barcelona may be subject to serious punishments, including forfeiting the game completely and thus losing the three vital points by default, depending on how RFEF and FIFA interpret the circumstances.
Why Barcelona Could Be Punished For Ineligible Player
It’s all down to a little-known rule
A player who is injured and withdraws from international service is prohibited from playing for his club for five days following the final match of the international break, under FIFA regulations. In this instance, Martinez only took four days off before playing again because Spain’s final game was on March 23.
❗️Osasuna are considering filing a complaint over a possible ineligible lineup of Iñigo Martínez.
They're reviewing a FIFA rule that requires five days between a player's absence from a national team match and their next club game, but they're not certain.
— @mundodeportivo pic.twitter.com/SMBmg4qw9e
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 28, 2025
Martínez, 33, suffered a knee injury during a match against Atletico Madrid, which prevented him from making the Spanish squad. Dean Huijsen took his seat under Luis de la Fuente. But the defender kept getting better in Barcelona, and he returned to training on Monday before taking the pitch against Osasuna.
Osasuna has assigned its legal staff to investigate the matter in order to determine whether they have sufficient grounds to file a formal complaint with the RFEF, according to beIN Sports. FIFA and the RFEF’s interpretation of the defender’s circumstances will determine whether or not penalty is administered. Barcelona is certain that the Federation’s approval will keep them out of trouble while Osasuna thinks about its next course of action.
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