Why Barça is not worried about Osasuna's appeal against Martínez

Last Thursday, Barcelona secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Osasuna in a La Liga encounter that further solidified their position at the top of the table.

Central to the ongoing controversy is the participation of Iñigo Martínez, who played the entire match for Barcelona. Osasuna, however, claims that the 33-year-old Basque defender should not have been eligible to participate in the fixture due to alleged regulatory violations.

The dispute stems from Martínez’s early departure from the Spanish national team camp during the international break. According to Osasuna, Martínez left the camp citing medical reasons, a situation which, according to official protocols, demands a thorough review by the national team’s medical staff. When a player leaves a national team camp for health-related issues, the regulations typically require that their condition be verified by the medical team of the national federation in this case, La Roja’s medical department.

Osasuna’s argument hinges on the belief that Martínez did not adhere to these established guidelines and therefore should have been ineligible to participate against them. The club from Pamplona has formally filed a complaint, insisting that Barcelona fielded Martínez illegally, potentially breaching La Liga’s regulations concerning player eligibility after international duty.

Barcelona, however, remains entirely untroubled by Osasuna’s claims. According to reports from Catalunya Ràdio, the Catalan giants had already anticipated this potential issue and took precautionary measures well before the match. Prior to the game against Osasuna, Barcelona allegedly made detailed inquiries with the RFEF (Real Federación Española de Fútbol), the Spanish Football Federation, to clarify whether Martínez was eligible to play.

It is reported that Barcelona’s coaching staff, led by Hansi Flick, sought explicit approval from the federation before including Martínez in the matchday squad. After conducting their internal investigation, the club received what they describe as a ‘green light’ from the RFEF, confirming that Martínez’s participation would not be considered a violation of the rules. This clearance, according to Barcelona, was given based on their assurance that Martínez’s medical assessment was conducted by their own medical staff and not by the national team’s doctors.

Barcelona’s reliance on their own medical staff’s assessment plays a crucial role in their defense. The club has argued that since Martínez’s condition was verified by their team of doctors, and not La Roja’s medical staff, there is no breach of protocol. From Barcelona’s perspective, this technicality ensures that Martínez’s participation in the match against Osasuna was completely within the rules.

Sources close to the club also reveal that Barcelona is confident the complaint filed by Osasuna will be dismissed outright. The Catalan side reportedly believes that the RFEF will not even proceed with a formal investigation, as they consider their actions to have been fully compliant with the existing regulations. Nevertheless, should Osasuna’s appeal be taken seriously by the federation, Barcelona intends to present their arguments thoroughly, citing the prior approval received from the RFEF and the fact that their own medical team was responsible for Martínez’s assessment.

Despite the controversy, Barcelona remains focused on their upcoming matches. On Sunday, the La Liga leaders are scheduled to face Girona, another Catalan club that has impressed this season. All indications suggest that Martínez will be available for selection, although official confirmation from the club has not yet been made. Barcelona’s calmness over the situation is further reflected in the fact that the club has made no significant changes to their training routines or squad preparations ahead of the Girona clash.

In the broader context, this controversy highlights ongoing tensions within Spanish football regarding player eligibility and adherence to regulations. Clubs are increasingly vigilant about ensuring compliance with the RFEF’s guidelines, especially when it comes to player availability following international duty. Barcelona’s confidence in their handling of the Martínez situation illustrates their belief that they have acted in accordance with the rules.

The case also raises questions about the clarity and enforcement of regulations by the RFEF. With Barcelona insisting that they received explicit permission for Martínez’s participation, the federation’s role in approving or denying player eligibility becomes a focal point of interest. Should the matter proceed to a formal hearing, it could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.

Osasuna’s frustration is understandable given the competitive nature of La Liga, where every point is crucial. Their decision to file a complaint is not only about the match itself but also about ensuring that all clubs are held to the same standards. Nevertheless, Barcelona’s robust response and confidence in their position suggest that the matter may not escalate further.

Regardless of the outcome, Iñigo Martínez’s performance against Osasuna was solid, helping Barcelona maintain their lead at the top of the table. The defender’s involvement in the match, however, now casts a shadow over what was otherwise a straightforward victory for the Catalan giants. Barcelona’s legal team is prepared to defend their actions vigorously if required, but for now, the club seems entirely unconcerned about Osasuna’s appeal.

With the upcoming match against Girona looming, Barcelona’s primary focus remains on maintaining their lead in La Liga. The potential absence of Martínez, should the RFEF take action against him, would be a blow, but the club’s confidence in their position suggests that they expect the matter to be resolved swiftly and in their favor.