Official: Osasuna file appeal against Barcelona over alleged ‘improper lineup’ | OneFootball

Following their 3-0 defeat last night, CA Osasuna have officially filed an appeal against Barcelona, citing an alleged ineligible line-up involving Inigo Martinez.

The Navarrese club submitted their complaint to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), and released a statement confirming the same.

“Osasuna have today lodged an appeal with the Competition Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation for improper alignment of FC Barcelona in the match played last night at the Lluis Companys Stadium,” the statement read.

“Osasuna understands that Iñigo Martínez, whose non-appearance with the Spanish national team was limited to a medical leave, was not eligible to play yesterday’s match in accordance with FIFA regulations,” it added.

Osasuna claim that Martinez’s participation in yesterday’s match violated Article 5 of Annex I of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.

Osasuna argue Inigo should not have played. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

The article specifies that a player who does not join or leaves his national team for medical reasons may not play matches for his club during the five calendar days following the end of the international period.

Osasuna further cited how Marc Casado and their own player, Bryan Zaragoza, were also withdrawn from the Spain squad due to injuries but it was only the winger who reported to the national team camp for medical tests.

“In view of this fact, the Navarrese club has decided to lodge an appeal on the grounds of unfair alignment in defence of its rights, the fairness of the competition and the equality of all participants,” the statement concluded.

Despite the appeal, Barcelona remain unfazed. The Catalans maintain that they acted within the rules and Osasuna’s claim has no merit, as they are confident that all regulations were followed.