Barcelona have been fined 602 € (£503) by the Spanish football federation after Atletico Madrid lodged a complaint about the club’s contact with striker Julián Alvarez. The Argentine international, who is still contracted to Atletico until June 2030, was approached by Barcelona without first notifying the club in writing, a move that Atletico said violated league rules. The federation upheld the fine, and although Atletico also filed a complaint with FIFA, the governing body ruled it had no jurisdiction over the matter.
Alvarez, who has been a polarising figure for Atletico fans this season, scored his first La Liga goal on Saturday when he netted the winner against Deportivo La Coruna. The goal helped Simeone’s side close the gap to the league leaders, bringing them within two points of Barcelona. After the match, Alvarez took the chance to apologise to Atletico supporters, saying that his earlier interview in which he expressed a desire to “fulfil his dream” of playing for Barcelona was a mistake. He added that he understands the anger of the fans and that he would feel the same if he were in their shoes, especially given their support since he joined the club.
Alvarez joined Atletico in August 2024 from Manchester City on a six‑year contract that could be worth up to £81.5 million. He scored 36 goals in 103 appearances for City and has since found the net 51 times in 115 games for Atletico. The fine comes as the Spanish federation enforces its regulations on transfer and approach procedures, while the club faces no further action from FIFA. The incident highlights the strict protocols clubs must follow when pursuing players under contract, and it leaves Barcelona and Atletico both keen to avoid similar disputes in the future.