It was reported on the 27th that Barcelona have been fined approximately 100,000 yen by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for contacting Argentine national team forward Julián Alvarez. Álvarez had wanted to leave during the summer transfer window, but Barcelona contacted Atletico Madrid without giving them prior written notice, angering the club and ultimately deciding to stay.
Atlético Madrid filed a lawsuit against the RFEF and FIFA over the fact that Barcelona did not contact Alvarez's club, which has the right to register him, in writing when they contacted him. As a result of the investigation, the RFEF fined Barcelona 602 euros (approximately 100,000 yen) under article 133 of the federation's statutes (articles regarding minor violations). FIFA has determined that this matter is outside its jurisdiction and has declined to get involved.
The latest sanctions stem from the fact that the regulations stipulate that clubs are obligated to notify the club that holds the right to register the player in writing before contacting the player himself. Atlético Madrid argued that this requirement was not met and was ruled by a court.
Even after Alvarez decided to stay, his moves in this summer's transfer market are attracting attention. In response to this fine, Barcelona has indicated that they will be more cautious regarding future contact with players. The RFEF has stated that it will ensure the protection of players' rights and the transparency of the transfer market by strictly enforcing communication rules between clubs.
In the future, attention will be focused on the possibility of Alvarez's transfer and how Barcelona's personnel policy will change. RFEF's latest disciplinary action once again highlights the importance of procedures when clubs make contact with players.