Osasuna’s appeal against Barcelona’s use of Inigo Martinez has been thrown out by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). The central issue in the litigation was Martinez’s standing. He had recently pulled out of the Spanish national team with injury, yet he appeared for a LaLiga match just days later. Osasuna claimed Barcelona had violated FIFA rules on player ineligibility. More specifically, they relied upon Article 5 of Annex I within the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.
The dispute started after Martinez, who was dealing with a swollen knee, skipped Spain’s Nations League games. The agreement comes into effect after FC Barcelona fielded him in their LaLiga match against Osasuna on March 27. The game had been postponed from March 8 due to the death of the club doctor. It was a resounding victory for Barcelona, winning that match 3-0, with Martinez going the full 90 minutes.
In short, Osasuna claimed that Barcelona were ineligible to register Martinez due to a procedural technicality. The second penalty limits a player that misses or withdraws from their national team duty for medical reasons. They’re ineligible to play club games for the five full calendar days following the close of an international window. In response, Osasuna contended that the restriction should have covered Martinez. They noted their dismay when the RFEF did not publicly acknowledge this cap in its publicized announcement and press release.
After their first appeal was rejected, Osasuna chose to appeal the decision even further. They have stated their intent to withdraw and file a new appeal to the more senior Appeal Committee. The RFEF has remained firm in its insistence. Through these principles, they had given Osasuna a clear and detailed outline on how and why to reject their appeal.
