Osasuna file appeal over Barca's improper lineup

Osasuna have filed an appeal to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) alleging that Barcelona centre-back Inigo Martinez was not eligible to play in the Catalans' 3-0 win on Thursday at the Montjuic.

33-year-old Martinez did not attend the Spain camp during the March international break as he was ruled out with a knee injury. Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen was called up to replace him for the Nations League quarter-finals against the Netherlands.

Osasuna argue that his withdrawal from Luis de la Fuente's 'Roja' squad made him ineligible to play against them in Thursday’s La Liga fixture, as per FIFA regulations. In a statement released on Friday, Osasuna cited Article 5 of Annex I of FIFA Regulations to back their case.

"Unless otherwise agreed by the relevant association, not entitled to play for the club with which he is registered during the period for which he has been released or should have been released… plus an additional period of five days," reads the citation.

According to the RFEF regulations, should Osasuna's appeal be successful, they would be given the three points, resulting in serious implications on the title race in La Liga. Hansi Flick's side are three points clear of Real Madrid with eight games remaining, as things stand.