The Spanish Football Federation has announced that Barcelona will play Osasuna in their La Liga match on March 27. However, the arrangement has sparked a backlash from Barcelona, who have decided to appeal, according to Sport Daily.
Originally, Barcelona and Osasuna games should be played on the evening of March 8. But the match was postponed after the unexpected death of Barca’s first team doctor Carles Minaro in the afternoon. About the specific time of this match, the outside world has been highly concerned. The Spanish Football Association confirmed on Tuesday that the match would be played on Monday, a decision that angered Barcelona.
The main reason for Barcelona’s anger is that it became extremely difficult for the team to assemble a starting lineup on March 27. Two important players, Inigo Martinez and Casado, are sidelined with injuries and need 2-3 weeks and 2 months to recover respectively. In addition, several of Barcelona’s international players will also represent their national teams in the next 1-2 weeks. Araujo and Rafinha will go to Uruguay and Brazil respectively, the two will play for the national team on the 25 and 26. Considering the time difference and the impact of the long flight, they can’t make up for the match on the 27th.
To make matters worse, the Spanish national team will face the Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the European Nations League on March 21 and 24. Barca had seven Spain internationals, with Inigo Martinez and Casado withdrawing through injury, but five – Ferran Torres, Yamal, Pedrie, Ormo and Kubasi – still need to play for their country. That means they will play three games in six days, a diabolical schedule.
Sports Daily said Barca considered the match arrangement a “shameful decision” that hurt the club and went against the principle of fair play. Barca had originally hoped to schedule the match in May, but the proposal was opposed by some La Liga clubs. Osasuna will also face great difficulties if the match is held on the 27th. They are away to Barcelona on the 27th, followed by a trip to Athletic Bilbao on the 28th, which is likely to be two La Liga games in 24 hours.
In general, Barcelona are extremely unhappy with the timing of the match and has decided to defend their rights by appealing. They hope the football association will reconsider the decision and come up with a fairer schedule.
