Key Takeaways
- The Spanish Football Federation fined Barcelona €602 following Atlético Madrid’s complaint over the club’s approach to striker Julián Álvarez.
- Atlético Madrid alleged that Barcelona failed to notify them in writing before pursuing Álvarez, who remains under contract until June 2030.
- Barcelona maintain they informed Atlético Madrid of their interest in Álvarez and intend to appeal the fine, according to Spanish media reports.
Barcelona have been fined €602 by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following a complaint by Atlético Madrid over the Catalan club’s approach to striker Julián Álvarez.
The Spanish giants are, however, preparing to challenge the decision, insisting they acted properly when they expressed interest in signing the Argentina international.
According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano in a post on 𝕏 on Wednesday, the fine was confirmed on Tuesday under Article 133 of the RFEF’s disciplinary rules.
The rule covers failure to comply with official orders, instructions, agreements or other regulatory requirements. The offence is classified as a minor infringement.
Naija News reports that under Spanish football rules, a club seeking to negotiate with a player who is still under contract with another team must first inform the player’s current club in writing.
Atlético Madrid alleged that Barcelona failed to follow this procedure when pursuing Álvarez.
The 26-year-old striker joined Atlético from Manchester City in 2024 and remains under contract with the Madrid club until June 2030.
Barcelona’s interest in the forward grew during the summer transfer window, partly after comments in which Álvarez spoke about his long-held dream of playing for the Catalan club.
However, no transfer was completed, and the striker remained at Atlético.
Naija News understands that Atlético Madrid also submitted a complaint to FIFA, but the world football governing body ruled that it had no jurisdiction over the dispute because it involved two Spanish clubs.
