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INDONESIAUPDATES.COM, News En – Barcelona has avoided a major scandal after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) ruled that the club did not field an ineligible player in their emphatic 3-0 win over Osasuna on March 27, 2025.
The federation issued a strong statement, saying players were “freely released from the training camp without restrictions” and that a formal withdrawal certificate had been provided—meaning no breach of regulations occurred.
Yet Osasuna is refusing to back down. They insist there was no clear communication lifting the ban and are preparing an appeal to the RFEF Appeals Committee.
The controversy erupted over defender Inigo Martinez, who had been called up to Spain’s national team but was withdrawn due to a knee injury. FIFA regulations state a player cannot feature for their club for five days after the international break ends—meaning Martinez technically should not have played until March 30.
Despite Osasuna’s objections, the RFEF sided with Barcelona. That means Xavi’s side maintains its grip on the top of La Liga with 67 points, four ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid. Atletico Madrid remains in third with 60 points.
Had Osasuna’s complaint succeeded, Barcelona would have been docked points and Osasuna would have been awarded a 3-0 win, potentially reshaping the La Liga title race.
Adding to the drama, this match was originally set for March 8 but was postponed due to the tragic passing of Barcelona’s club doctor, Carles Minarro Garcia. Rescheduled to March 27, both teams had previously objected to the tight calendar squeeze.
Inigo Martinez, vital in Barca’s backline, featured for the full match, helping the Catalans to a comfortable victory through goals by Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and Robert Lewandowski.
FAQ: Barcelona Cleared in Ineligible Player Controversy
Q1: What was Barcelona accused of?
A1: Barcelona was accused of fielding an ineligible player, Inigo Martinez, during their 3-0 win over Osasuna on March 27, 2025.
Q2: Why was Inigo Martinez considered ineligible?
A2: FIFA regulations state that players released from national team duty due to injury cannot play for their clubs for five days after the international window closes. Osasuna claimed Martinez violated this rule.
Q3: Why did the RFEF clear Barcelona?
A3: The RFEF stated that it had officially allowed players to leave national team duty without restrictions and issued a withdrawal certificate for Inigo Martinez, making him eligible to play.
Q4: How did Osasuna react to the decision?
A4: Osasuna rejected the RFEF’s decision and plans to appeal to the RFEF Appeals Committee, arguing they received no formal communication lifting the ban.
Q5: What would have happened if Osasuna’s appeal was successful?
A5: If successful, Osasuna would have been awarded a 3-0 victory, and Barcelona’s points would have dropped from 67 to 64, tightening the La Liga title race.
Q6: How important is Inigo Martinez to Barcelona?
A6: Inigo Martinez is a key defender for Barcelona, having played 23 La Liga matches this season and contributing to their solid defense in the 3-0 win over Osasuna.
Q7: Why was the match between Barcelona and Osasuna postponed initially?
A7: The match was originally scheduled for March 8, 2025, but was postponed following the death of Barcelona’s team doctor, Carles Minarro Garcia.
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