Official: Barcelona cleared of Osasuna’s ‘improper lineup’ complaint involving Inigo Martinez | OneFootball

On Friday, FC Barcelona received confirmation from the Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF) Disciplinary Committee that the complaint filed by Osasuna over an alleged improper line-up due to the involvement of Inigo Martinez has been dismissed.

Osasuna had lodged the complaint on 28 March, arguing that Martinez should not have played in the league match between Barcelona and the Navarra-based side the day before.

The basis for the claim was Article 5 of the Annex to FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, which concerns the release of players to national teams.

The rule states that a player called up by their national association cannot play for their club during the release period, and for an additional five days, unless the association agrees otherwise.

The RFEF’s disciplinary body conducted a thorough review of the case, examining submissions from both Barcelona and the national team itself.

Osasuna had filed a complaint over Inigo Martinez’s involvement. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The conclusion was clear: Martinez’s withdrawal from the Spanish national team was handled through the proper channels. On Monday 17 March, the player was officially released from international duty, and Dean Huijsen was called up in his place.

Even FIFA’s own interpretation of the rule supported Barcelona’s position. The five-day restriction only applies in cases where a club refuses to release a player or the player declines the call-up – except when the refusal is due to injury.

In such cases, as covered under Article 4 of Annex 1, the five-day rule does not apply.

Since Martinez was injured and officially released by the RFEF, there was no breach of the rules. The defender had the Federation’s authorisation when he was withdrawn on the morning of 17 March.

This confirmation puts an end to any speculation about an improper line-up and reinforces that Barcelona followed proper procedure.

Source: Mundo Deportivo