Osasuna files complaint against Barca for improper fielding of player

La Liga side, Osasuna, has filed a complaint against Barcelona to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for the improper fielding in last night’s match at the Lluís Companys stadium.

The Navarrese side believes that Inigo Martínez’s participation in the match violated FIFA regulations. According to Article 5 of Annex I of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, it specifies that a player who does not join his national team squad for medical reasons, or leaves the squad, may not play for his club for five calendar days following the end of the international period.

Inigo was removed from the Spanish squad in March 17, for medical reasons. The player was reported to have been withdrawn due to “internal parameniscitis in his right knee.

Meanwhile, the international break ended on Sunday, March 23, and the Barca/Osasuna contest held on March 27. The Blaugranas won 3-0 at home, with the Spanish defender featuring as well.

However, in compliance with the aforementioned FIFA Regulations, the Catalans defender was not eligible to participate in the contest, as the deadlines established by the regulations were not met.

Osasuna therefore believes that the league leaders should be penalised for breaching FIFA regulations.

In light of this, the Navarrese club has decided to file an appeal for improper fielding of Inigo Martinez.