Osasuna will not file an improper lineup complaint against Real Madrid over Mastantuono registration
Real Madrid moved quickly to register Franco Mastantuono after finalizing his transfer from River Plate for around €63 million, but chose to list him as a reserve-team player with the No. 30 shirt rather than issuing a first-team licence.
This decision had sparked debate in Spain, with questions raised about potential sanctions for registering a teenager with a reserve-team card while he is effectively a first-team prospect.
Osasuna has now made clear they will not pursue any improper lineup action regarding Mastantuono’s registration. The club believes Real Madrid’s approach does not violate La Liga rules, noting that it is common for clubs to register young players with a reserve-team licence to participate with the first team when needed. Real Madrid, for their part, reportedly consulted several external lawyers and were told there is no case to answer.
Mastantuono himself reportedly requested the No. 30 shirt, a number he wore at River Plate, and Madrid assigned it to him. La Liga’s rules cap first-team numbers at 1 through 25, so Real Madrid opted for the reserve-team route while preserving a potential 25-man slot for late-signing possibilities.
What this suggests for Real Madrid and the league
– A pragmatic solution that prioritizes player development and squad flexibility, rather than a rigid first-team numbering approach.
– Osasuna’s stance helps defuse potential tensions ahead of the season opener, signaling that, for now, this is viewed as a permissible practice.
– Real Madrid’s due-diligence with external legal counsel points to a careful, precedent-aware strategy that could influence how other clubs approach young signings.
Summary
Real Madrid’s registration of Mastantuono as a reserve-team player with No. 30 sidesteps the need for a first-team licence and keeps a 25-man squad slot open for future signings. Osasuna’s decision not to pursue action removes immediate friction, and Madrid’s consultations with outside lawyers suggest the club believes the move complies with current regulations.
Additional value
– This case highlights the nuanced ways top clubs manage youth development and transfer strategies within La Liga’s regulatory framework.
– If there are any future clarifications from La Liga, many clubs will be watching closely, as more flexible pathways for integrating young players into the first team could emerge.
Future watch
– Monitor La Liga’s official interpretations and any official statements on player registration rules, which could refine how similar cases are handled going forward.
– Keep an eye on Mastantuono’s progression and whether he breaks into Real Madrid’s first-team plans in the coming season.