Barcelona points deduction? FIFA process explained as Osasuna appeal over ineligible player in LaLiga clash | OneFootball

The LaLiga leaders could be in hot water

Osasuna’s decision to file an appeal with the Spanish football federation (RFEF) on Friday stating Barcelona should not have fielded defender Inigo Martinez in their LaLiga game has prompted speculation of a potential points deduction.

"The club understands that the participation of Inigo Martinez in yesterday's match violated article 5 of Annex I of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players," Osasuna said in a statement.

"Osasuna believes that Inigo Martinez, whose absence from the Spanish national team was due to a medical leave, was not eligible to play in yesterday's match in accordance with FIFA regulations."

The result left Osasuna 14th in the standings, six points clear of the relegation zone.

Barcelona were originally meant to play Osasuna on March 8 but the death of Barca club doctor forced the game to be rescheduled to March 27, just four days after Spain's match as there was no other date available.

Both clubs had appeals for the fixture to be postponed rejected, with Barca unable to field some of their players such as one of their top scorers Raphinha, who had just returned from international duty

Could Barcelona face a points deduction?

Barcelona are yet to respond publicly to the appeal from Osasuna, but if it’s found that they have broken the rules then a points deduction or forfeiting the match have been touted as potential punishments.

Ultimately, as stated in the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players rulebook, ‘Violations of any of the provisions set forth in this annexe shall result in the imposition of disciplinary measures to be decided by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee based on the FIFA Disciplinary Code.’