Shameful decision: Anger in Barcelona after new date announced for postponed Osasuna match

FC Barcelona is deeply outraged at having to play Osasuna next Thursday, March 27th. This Monday, the RFEF’s Sole Judge of Professional Competitions set the pending match for next week, right in the middle of the FIFA World Cup, something the Catalan club had vehemently opposed. So great is the anger within the organization presided over by Joan Laporta that the club will appeal the decision.

Having to play against the Navarrese team on the 27th almost certainly means that Hansi Flick will be without Araujo and Raphinha, who have their respective international commitments on the night of the 25th and 26th, to which must be added the wear and tear of the return flight.

With LaLiga so tight, it’s a relief for Barça to be able to pick up three points against Osasuna, and it goes without saying how influential both the Brazilian, who has been on fire so far this season, and the Uruguayan have been. This is especially true after Casadó’s injury, which means Eric has been moved forward and, therefore, reduces the number of players in the center of defense. Íñigo is expected to be fully recovered by the 27th.

Barça sources expressed their deep displeasure to SPORT with a decision they consider unfair and “shameful” because it doesn’t guarantee a level playing field. LaLiga clubs lobbied to have the match not moved to the end of May, arguing that it would distort the competition, but they ultimately succeeded.