Report: Osasuna Considering Filing a Complaint Against Barcelona Over Inigo Martinez Involvement

La Liga outfit CA Osasuna are reportedly contemplating filing a complaint against top-flight leaders Barcelona for fielding an ineligible lineup. 

Barcelona claimed a commanding 3-0 victory in their rescheduled La Liga clash against Osasuna on Thursday night, 27 March. Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and Robert Lewandowski each scored a goal to secure the victory. By taking maximum points, the Blaugrana have climbed to the top of the La Liga rankings with 63 points, going three clear of Real Madrid.

Why Are Osasuna Considering Filing a Complaint Against Barcelona?

Osasuna were well and truly beaten at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Thursday, with Hansi Flick’s side dominating the game from start to finish. However, Osasuna reportedly feel the hosts had an unfair advantage in the La Liga Matchday 28 clash, as they fielded an “improper” lineup.

As per Isaac Fouto on El Partidazo de COPE, Osasuna believe Barcelona centre-back Inigo Martinez should not have played on Thursday after dropping out of Spain’s squad, citing an injury. They are studying the possibility of filing a complaint against the Blaugrana.

💥 Informa @isaacfouto

⚠️ @Osasuna estudia una posible alineación indebida de Iñigo Martínez

❌ El club navarro analiza si el @FCBarcelona ha incumplido una norma FIFA sobre el periodo que tiene que transcurrir tras una baja por lesión con la Selección

📻 #PartidazoCOPE pic.twitter.com/1kLGKtv4OS

— El Partidazo de COPE (@partidazocope) March 27, 2025

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano corroborated the report.

“Osasuna are considering filing a complaint against Barça for an IMPROPER lineup (related to Iñigo Martinez),” the Italian wrote on Facebook.

“According to the rules, if a player is withdrawn from the national team, they are not allowed to play for their club within the first five days after the international break.”

Martinez did not play for Spain after reporting a knee injury (paramenisciitis). He continued his recovery in Barcelona.

What Does the FIFA Rulebook Say?

According to FIFA Article 5, Annexe 1, if a player withdraws from his national team due to injury or illness, he cannot play for his club for five days after the international break ends. Since the international break ended on 25th March, Martinez would only be eligible to play after Sunday.

The FIFA rulebook states:

“A player who, due to injury or illness, is unable to attend a call-up of the association of the country of his nationality, must, if requested by that association, undergo a medical examination by a doctor appointed by the association. If the player so wishes, such medical examination shall be carried out in the territory of the association where he is registered.

“A player called up by his association for one of its representative teams is not entitled, unless otherwise agreed by the association concerned, to play for the club to which he belongs during the period which his release lasts or should last, in accordance with the provisions of this Annex, plus an additional period of five days.”

Of course, this is not the first time that a club or player has violated this rule. They do it pretty regularly due to the existence of a sub-clause which exempts a player from this rule if there is an agreement between the Federation (Spain, in this case) and the club (Barcelona). The clause will also become moot if the Federation does not enforce it.

Will Barcelona Get a Penalty If Osasuna Appeal?

Barcelona will automatically suffer a 3-0 defeat in case Osasuna file a complaint and win their appeal. However, as things stand, it looks highly unlikely.

Martinez and Barcelona would have violated FIFA’s ‘Five-Day’ rule if the Federation believed he was not injured or he failed to present a credible medical report confirming his injury. Not only did Martinez produce a medical report, but Spain also accepted it without a second thought.

Addressing Martinez’s absence before the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said (via Relevo):

“It’s as simple as there being a medical report and the player not coming. I spoke with Iñigo when I had to; the medical report is final.”

Without Spain’s backing, Osasuna’s potential appeal would not have any merit. Los Rojillos have until 2:00 PM Friday (28 March) to submit their appeal.