Barcelona could LOSE match they won 3-0 as LaLiga opponents ‘investigate rule break’

Osasuna are reportedly investigating whether Barcelona have broken FIFA rules by fielding a potentially ineligible player during Thursday’s clash between the sides. Barca centre-back Inigo Martinez played the full 90 minutes and helped his team to a resounding 3-0 win, despite withdrawing from Spain’s squad due to injury at the start of the international break.

But the result for Hansi Flick’s side, which sent them three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the LaLiga table, could be overturned if Osasuna successfully invoke Article 5 of FIFA’s rulebook. Spanish outlet Cadena COPE report that Osasuna’s legal team are considering challenging the result if they believe that Martinez, 33, was unfairly selected.

It’s explained that if a player misses or withdraws from their national team due to injury, they can’t play for their club for the five days following the last match of the international window – unless the national federation expressly releases the player. Spain beat the Netherlands on Sunday in their Nations League quarter-final, so only four days passed before Barcelona hosted Osasuna.

What could come into consideration is that the rescheduled date for the fixture – initially due to be played on March 8 – was only confirmed last Friday, giving both teams less than a week to prepare. By that time, Martinez had already withdrawn from the Spain squad because of a knock which he picked up against Atletico Madrid.

It must now be determined whether the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) granted permission for the former Athletic Bilbao defender to leave the national team. Barca are said to be confident that they’ll avoid any punishment such as a points deduction.