The precedents that can work in Barcelona’s favour after Osasuna ‘improper lineup’ appeal | OneFootball

Barcelona are once again involved in a legal soup after Osasuna filed an official complaint surrounding Inigo Martinez’s participation in the recent 3-0 defeat to Barça.

Osasuna argued that Martinez was ineligible to feature for Barcelona as it had not been five days since the last day of the international break, which is an apparent breach of FIFA rules.

Barcelona, on the other hand, would argue that the veteran defender was released by RFEF even before Spain’s first leg game against the Netherlands.

But there is one key factor that Barça must rely on as they look to make their case for the participation of Inigo Martinez against Osasuna.

Factors that may favour Barcelona

As reported by SPORT, Barcelona have a few precedents to lean on that suggest Osasuna’s complaint could be dismissed.

Ironically, Osasuna themselves were beneficiaries of a similar ruling in the past.

Back in 2004, Osasuna striker John Aloisi featured in a match against Mallorca just four days after being withdrawn from Australia’s squad due to injury.

Despite Mallorca’s protest, the Appeals Court ruled in Osasuna’s favour, stating that Aloisi’s removal from the official squad rendered the original call-up ineffective.

Barcelona have a trump card in Inigo Martinez case (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Thus, the argument was made that the FIFA regulation did not apply since the player was no longer considered to be on national duty.

A similar situation occurred in 2006 when Espanyol lodged a complaint against Barcelona over the participation of Xavi and Carles Puyol in the Spanish Super Cup.

The duo had been withdrawn from Spain’s squad due to injuries and featured for Barça shortly thereafter. Once again, the Appeals Court rejected Espanyol’s claim, referencing the precedent set by the Aloisi case.

Given these previous rulings, Barcelona’s argument that Inigo Martinez was officially released by the RFEF may hold weight.

With the RFEF’s acknowledgement of his injury and subsequent withdrawal from international duty, Barça can contend that the FIFA regulation cited by Osasuna is not applicable.