Inigo Martinez: Osasuna claim Barcelona player was ineligible

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Osasuna have launched an appeal to the Royal Spanish Football Federation, claiming Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez was ineligible to play against them on Thursday.

Martinez did not join up with the Spain squad for the recent international break because of a knee injury.

Fifa rules prohibit a player from playing for his club within five days – unless he has the national FA's permission – if he has not joined up with his country when called up.

Barca's 3-0 win over Osasuna in La Liga, rearranged from 8 March after the death of club doctor Carles Minarro Garcia, came the day after the international window ended – and four days after Spain's Nations League match with the Netherlands.

Martinez played the full 90 minutes against Osasuna.

A club statement read: "Club Atletico Osasuna believes that Inigo Martinez, whose absence from the Spanish national team was due to a medical leave, was not eligible to play in yesterday's match in accordance with Fifa regulations.

"In light of this, the Navarrese club has decided to file an appeal for improper fielding in defence of his rights, the fairness of the competition, and the equality of all participants."

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick had criticised the timing of the rescheduled match, with 27-goal Raphinha missing out after travelling back from Brazil duty.

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