Barcelona Fined €602 Over Julián Álvarez Pursuit As Atlético Madrid Complaint Takes Effect

Barcelona have been fined €602 by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following a complaint by Atlético Madrid over the Catalan club’s reported approach for Argentine striker Julián Álvarez.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the fine was confirmed on Tuesday under Article 133 of the RFEF’s disciplinary regulations, which covers failures to comply with official instructions, agreements and other regulatory requirements. The offence is classified as a minor infringement.

Atlético Madrid alleged that Barcelona failed to notify the club in writing before expressing interest in signing Álvarez, who remains under contract with the Madrid-based side until June 2030.

However, Barcelona maintain that they informed Atlético of their interest in the 26-year-old forward and insist that they handled the matter appropriately. Reports from Spanish media indicate that the club intends to appeal the decision.

Under Spanish football regulations, clubs seeking to negotiate with players who remain under contract with another team are required to notify the player’s current club in writing before proceeding with discussions.

The dispute arose after Barcelona’s interest in Álvarez reportedly intensified during the summer transfer window. The striker had previously spoken about his long-standing ambition to play for the Catalan giants, fuelling speculation about a possible move.

Álvarez joined Atlético Madrid from Manchester City in 2024 and remains tied to the club until 2030. Despite the transfer rumours, no deal was completed, and the Argentine international stayed with Atlético.

The matter was also reportedly brought before FIFA by Atlético Madrid. However, the world football governing body ruled that it lacked jurisdiction because the dispute involved two clubs from the same country, leaving the RFEF to handle the case.

The Spanish federation subsequently opened a disciplinary investigation in late July before imposing the €602 penalty. The amount represents the maximum fine available under the relevant provision for a minor infringement.

Although the financial penalty is relatively small compared with the sums involved in major football transfers, the dispute has drawn attention because of the disagreement between two of Spain’s prominent clubs.

A similar controversy arose in 2019 when Atlético Madrid complained about Barcelona’s approach for French forward Antoine Griezmann. Barcelona was fined €300 in that case.

Despite the latest ruling, Barcelona remain adamant that they complied with the applicable procedures. Reports from Spanish media outlets, including Marca and El Chiringuito, indicate that the club plans to challenge the decision on principle rather than over the amount of the fine.

Meanwhile, Álvarez has reportedly faced criticism from some Atlético supporters following his comments about his desire to play for Barcelona. The striker has been working to improve his relationship with the club’s fans.

He recently scored the decisive goal in Atlético’s victory over Deportivo La Coruña and subsequently apologised for the timing and manner of his earlier remarks about a possible departure.

The appeal could determine whether the RFEF’s decision stands, while the controversy continues to draw attention to the rules governing clubs’ approaches to players who remain under contract elsewhere.