…Spanish football authorities impose minor sanction following Atlético’s complaint as Catalan giants prepare appeal
Barcelona have been fined just €602 by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following a complaint by Atlético Madrid over the Catalan club’s approach for Argentine striker Julián Álvarez.
The disciplinary decision, confirmed on Tuesday, followed allegations that Barcelona attempted to negotiate with the 26-year-old forward without first formally notifying Atlético Madrid, as required under Spanish football regulations.
According to football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, who reported the development on X on Wednesday, the RFEF imposed the sanction under Article 133 of its disciplinary regulations.
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The provision covers failures to comply with orders, instructions, agreements and other regulatory obligations, with the alleged breach classified as a minor infringement.
Under the applicable rules, clubs interested in negotiating with players under contract are required to notify their current clubs in writing before initiating discussions.
Atlético Madrid alleged that Barcelona failed to comply with this requirement while exploring a possible move for Álvarez during the summer transfer window.
The Argentine international, who joined Atlético from Manchester City in 2024, remains under contract with the Madrid club until June 2030.
Barcelona’s interest in the striker intensified during the summer, particularly after comments attributed to Álvarez suggested he was interested in fulfilling a long-standing ambition to play for the Catalan giants.
However, the proposed transfer did not materialise, and the forward remained at Atlético.
Atlético subsequently lodged complaints with both FIFA and the Spanish Football Federation over Barcelona’s alleged conduct.
FIFA declined to intervene, determining that the dispute between two Spanish clubs fell outside its jurisdiction in the circumstances presented.
The matter was consequently handled by the RFEF, which opened an extraordinary disciplinary investigation in late July.
Following its review, the federation imposed a €602 fine, reportedly the maximum financial penalty available under the relevant provision for minor infringements.
The relatively small amount has attracted attention, particularly given the high-profile nature of the dispute and the substantial transfer fees typically associated with players of Álvarez’s standing.
The case has drawn comparisons with Barcelona’s controversial pursuit of Antoine Griezmann in 2019, when Atlético Madrid also complained about the Catalan club’s conduct.
Barcelona were fined €300 in that case, despite the transfer involving one of Europe’s most prominent forwards.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are reportedly preparing to appeal the latest disciplinary decision, maintaining that they acted appropriately throughout their dealings concerning Álvarez.
Reports from Spanish outlets, including Marca and El Chiringuito, indicate that the club intends to challenge the ruling as a matter of principle rather than because of the financial penalty.
Barcelona insist they informed Atlético of their interest and complied with the relevant requirements.
Álvarez, meanwhile, has been working to rebuild his relationship with Atlético supporters following speculation surrounding his future.
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The striker has reportedly faced boos from sections of the club’s fan base this season but scored the decisive goal in Saturday’s victory over Deportivo La Coruña.
He subsequently apologised publicly for the timing and manner of his earlier comments about his future.
Although the RFEF’s ruling concludes the initial disciplinary proceedings, Barcelona’s planned appeal means the dispute between the two La Liga rivals may continue.
