Barcelona have been fined €602 by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following a complaint by Atlético Madrid over the Catalan club’s alleged approach to striker Julián Álvarez.
The Spanish giants, however, are reportedly preparing to appeal the decision, insisting they followed the appropriate procedures when expressing interest in signing the Argentina international.
According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who disclosed the development in a post on X on Wednesday, the fine was confirmed on Tuesday under Article 133 of the RFEF’s disciplinary regulations.
The provision covers failure to comply with official orders, instructions, agreements or other regulatory requirements and classifies the offence as a minor infringement.
Under Spanish football regulations, clubs seeking to negotiate with a player who remains under contract with another team must first notify the player’s current club in writing.
Atlético Madrid alleged that Barcelona failed to comply with this requirement while pursuing Álvarez.
Why Atlético Madrid Reported Barcelona
The 26-year-old forward joined Atlético Madrid from Manchester City in 2024 and is contracted to the Spanish club until June 2030.
Barcelona’s interest in the striker reportedly intensified during the summer transfer window, partly following comments in which Álvarez spoke about his long-standing dream of playing for the Catalan side.
However, no transfer materialised, and the Argentine remained at Atlético Madrid.
Atlético subsequently lodged a complaint with FIFA, but the world football governing body reportedly ruled that it lacked jurisdiction because the dispute involved two Spanish clubs.
The matter was therefore referred to the RFEF, which opened a disciplinary investigation in late July before imposing the financial penalty.
The €602 fine represents the maximum penalty available under the relevant provision for a minor infringement.
Barcelona Plan Appeal
Despite the sanction, Barcelona maintain that they informed Atlético Madrid of their interest in Álvarez and handled the matter appropriately.
Reports by Spanish media outlets, including Marca and El Chiringuito, indicate that the Catalan club intends to challenge the decision, arguing that it acted correctly.
The financial penalty has been widely described as symbolic given the substantial sums involved in modern football transfers.
A similar dispute occurred in 2019 when Atlético Madrid complained about Barcelona’s approach to Antoine Griezmann. Barcelona was fined €300 in that case.
Álvarez Seeks to Rebuild Relationship With Atlético Fans
Meanwhile, Álvarez has reportedly been working to improve his relationship with Atlético Madrid supporters following speculation about a possible move to Barcelona.
The striker faced criticism and booing from some fans after his comments about his desire to play for the Catalan club.
However, he subsequently scored the decisive goal in Atlético’s victory over Deportivo La Coruña on Saturday and reportedly apologised for the timing and manner of his earlier remarks about a potential departure.
Barcelona’s planned appeal means the dispute could continue as the club challenges the federation’s decision.
