Manchester City, the dominant force in English football for over a decade, finds itself once again under the Premier League's microscope. This time, however, the allegations are not about intricate financial dealings or sponsorship controversies, but something seemingly more mundane: breaches of kick-off timing regulations. Recent reports confirm that City has been hit with a substantial fine of £1.08 million for delaying kick-offs and re-starts on nine separate occasions during the 2024/25 season. While a million-pound fine might seem like a drop in the ocean for a club of City's financial might, these sanctions underscore a deeper tension within the Premier League – a battle between sporting integrity, commercial interests, and the relentless demands of a global broadcasting behemoth. This isn't merely a trivial matter of punctuality. It speaks to the meticulous choreography of modern football, where every second is accounted for, and every deviation from the schedule has...
The Navarrese club filed a complaint with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and issued a statement stating the same.
"Osasuna have today lodged an appeal with the Competition Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation for improper alignment of FC Barcelona in the match played last night at the Lluis Companys Stadium," according to a statement.
"Osasuna understands that Iñigo Martínez, whose non-appearance with the Spanish national team was limited to a medical leave, was not eligible to play yesterday's match in accordance with FIFA regulations," according to the report.
Osasuna claims Martinez's participation in yesterday's match violates Article 5 of Annex I of the FIFA Regulations on Player Status and Transfer.
According to the article, a player who does not join or departs his national team due to medical reasons may not play for his club for five calendar days after the international time ends.
Osasuna also stated that Marc Casado and their own player, Bryan Zaragoza, were both pulled from the Spain squad due to injury, although only the winger returned to the national team camp for medical testing.
"In view of this fact, the Navarrese club has decided to lodge an appeal on the grounds of unfair alignment in defence of its rights, the fairness of the competition and the equality of all participants," a statement said.
Despite the appeal, Barcelona remains unmoved. The Catalans argue that they behaved within the rules and that Osasuna's allegation is without validity, as they are certain that all procedures were followed.
Despite the appeal, Barcelona remains unmoved. The Catalans argue that they behaved within the rules and that Osasuna's allegation is without validity, as they are certain that all procedures were followed.
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