Franco Mastantuono free to play against Osasuna despite shirt number controversy

Real Madrid’s highly anticipated season opener against Osasuna will feature fresh intrigue around 18-year-old midfielder Franco Mastantuono — www.naijnaira.com reports.

Spanish outlet COPE confirmed that Osasuna will not challenge Real Madrid over Mastantuono’s registration, closing the door on speculation of disciplinary action.

The Argentine teenager arrived from River Plate for €63 million and officially signed on August 14, just days after turning 18.

His registration raised eyebrows because the club listed him as a Castilla player while handing him the No. 30 shirt, usually reserved for squad members outside La Liga’s 1–25 system.

By doing so, Madrid kept an extra senior spot open in their 25-man squad, but the move triggered debates about whether the club was exploiting a loophole.

“La Liga allows B-team players to feature with the senior squad,” explained Miguel Galán, president of CENAFE. “But if it’s done in bad faith, then it becomes an improper lineup.”

He added, “The inclusion of a player in the squad is not an infraction. It only becomes one if the player actually takes the field.”

Mastantuono himself asked to keep the No. 30 shirt, the same number he wore at River Plate, which influenced how Madrid processed his license.

Coach Xabi Alonso, preparing for his first Bernabéu match as manager, praised the youngster’s readiness, saying: “He has incredible quality, great energy, and the Argentine spirit we love.”

Injuries to Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga may accelerate Mastantuono’s debut, giving Alonso a valid reason to use him in the league clash.

Madrid even consulted external lawyers before finalizing the registration, and all advice pointed to no breach of La Liga rules.

With Osasuna refusing to pursue any complaint, Mastantuono is now cleared to feature without risk of sanction, ensuring Real Madrid’s opening night remains focused on football.

Article updated 50 minutes ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.

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