Barcelona Fined €602 After Atletico Madrid Complaint Over Julian Alvarez Approach

Posted : 28 October 2026

Barcelona have been fined €602 by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following a complaint from Atletico Madrid over the Catalan club’s alleged approach to striker Julian Alvarez without prior written notification. The decision concludes disciplinary proceedings initiated after Atletico accused Barcelona of contacting the Argentina international while he remained under contract with the Madrid club.

Atletico argued that Barcelona should have formally informed them in writing before beginning discussions with Alvarez. Under Spanish football regulations, clubs interested in signing players who are still under contract must notify their current club before entering into negotiations with the player.

The Spanish federation imposed the penalty under Article 133 of its disciplinary regulations, which covers failures to comply with certain regulatory obligations. Atletico also submitted a complaint to FIFA, but the international governing body declined to intervene, stating that it did not have jurisdiction over the matter.

Alvarez, 26, remains an Atletico player and has a contract that runs until June 2030. The dispute followed comments he made during the summer expressing his desire to fulfil his ambition of playing for Barcelona, sparking speculation about a potential transfer and creating tension between the clubs.

The situation also affected Alvarez’s relationship with Atletico supporters, some of whom repeatedly booed him during matches. However, the striker received a warmer reception from sections of the crowd after scoring the winning goal against Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday, helping Atletico move within two points of La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Following that victory, Alvarez acknowledged that his earlier comments had upset supporters and offered an apology. He admitted that fans had reason to feel disappointed, particularly given the support they had shown him since his arrival at the club.

Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in August 2024 in a deal reportedly worth up to £81.5 million. After scoring 36 goals in 103 appearances for City, he has continued to deliver in Spain, recording 51 goals in 115 appearances for Atletico.

The modest financial penalty brings the federation’s proceedings to a close, although the episode adds another chapter to the tense relationship between Barcelona and Atletico over player transfers. A similar dispute occurred in 2019, when Atletico complained about Barcelona’s pursuit of Antoine Griezmann, resulting in a €300 fine for the Catalan club.

For now, Alvarez remains at Atletico, where his performances on the pitch may prove important in rebuilding his relationship with supporters. Barcelona, meanwhile, must contend with the financial sanction following the federation’s ruling as both clubs continue their respective campaigns.

Barcelona Fined €602 After Atletico Madrid Complaint Over Julian Alvarez Approach

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