The Spanish league leaders are accused of potentially ineligible player in Thursday night's rearranged La Liga triumph
08:50, 28 Mar 2025
Barcelona thumped Osasuna 3-0 on Thursday night
Barcelona thumped Osasuna 3-0 on Thursday night
Barcelona could face a points deduction as Osasuna reportedly prepare to challenge Thursday night's 3-0 La Liga defeat.
Barca moved three clear of rivals Real Madrid at the top of the Spanish top-flight after a comfortable victory in the rearranged game, which was postponed three weeks ago due to the sudden death of a member of a club doctor, Carles Minarro Garcia.
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But the result could be reversed if Barcelona are found guilty of violating FIFA rules by fielding a potentially ineligible player.
Reports claim Osasuna are planning to file an official complaint against the Catalans over the selection of centre-back Inigo Martinez, who played the entire 90 minutes despite withdrawing from Spain's squad due to injury at the start of the international break.
According to Article 5 of FIFA's regulations, if a player withdraws or misses their national team due to injury, they cannot play for their club for five days following the last match of the international window - unless the national federation explicitly releases the player.
Spain defeated the Netherlands in their Nations League quarter-final on Sunday, meaning only four days had passed before Barcelona hosted Osasuna.
A factor that may come into play is that the rescheduled date for the fixture - originally set for March 8 - was only confirmed last Friday, giving both teams less than a week to prepare.
By then, Martinez had already withdrawn from the Spain squad due to an injury he sustained against Atletico Madrid.
Questions are emerging over whether the Spanish Football Federation allowed the 33-year-old defender to leave the national side.
Barcelona remain hopeful that they won't face any drastic repercussions, such as a points deduction.
Hansi Flick's leaders are back in action again on Sunday, as they welcome Catalan neighbours Girona.
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