Real Madrid warned about possible ‘improper lineup’ case due to new signing’s B team registration | OneFootball

Real Madrid could face questions if Franco Mastantuono, their new €60m signing from River Plate, plays against Osasuna.

The 18-year-old Argentine was officially presented as a first-team player last week but has been registered with the reserve team to keep a squad number free before the transfer window closes on September 1st.

He has been called up by Xabi Alonso and could debut wearing the number 30 shirt. This decision has raised concern.

Galan raises the issue

Miguel Galan, president of CENAFE (National Centre for the Training of Football Coaches), has warned that Madrid might risk an improper lineup if Mastantuono plays. He explained:

“It seems that Real Madrid CF has decided to assume the risk of incurring in a possible improper lineup in the match against Club Atletico Osasuna.

“The inclusion of a player in the squad list is not, by itself, an improper lineup violation. For such an infraction to occur, the player must actually take part in the game. The player meets the requirements to play since he has a valid license.”

Galan argues that Madrid acted in “bad faith”. The club registered Mastantuono with the reserve team to get around the rule that limits first-team squad numbers to 25.

Yet, during his presentation, the player was clearly introduced as a first-team signing. This, he claims, shows Madrid tried to bend the rules.

According to Article 125 of the RFEF regulations, clubs cannot misuse the link between first and reserve teams to bypass rules. Any attempt to do so would be considered fraud of the law, making such agreements null and void.

Could Real Madrid be sanctioned?

For Madrid to face punishment, it would need to be proven that Mastantuono’s registration was used deliberately to evade the rules.

Article 125 of the RFEF regulations specifically forbids using reserve team status to manipulate the system, calling any such move “fraud of law.”

The RFEF does allow reserve players to feature for the first team under certain conditions, but it also enforces safeguards to prevent abuse.

If Real Madrid’s intentions are questioned, the authorities may review whether registering Mastantuono with Castilla undermines the spirit of fair competition.

For now, all eyes are on whether the young Argentine makes his debut tonight, and if Madrid’s decision sparks a wider debate on how Spanish clubs handle new signings.