Barcelona have been fined €602 by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following a complaint by Atlético Madrid over the Catalan club’s approach to Argentine striker Julián Álvarez.
The sanction follows allegations that Barcelona contacted Álvarez’s representative about a possible transfer without first notifying Atlético Madrid in writing of their intention to negotiate with the player, who remains under contract with the Spanish club until June 2030.
According to reports, the RFEF imposed the fine under Article 133 of its regulations, which covers minor breaches of regulatory obligations.
Atlético Madrid had lodged complaints with both the Spanish football governing body and FIFA over Barcelona’s alleged approach. However, FIFA declined to consider the case, stating that it lacked jurisdiction.
The disciplinary proceedings established that a conversation took place on May 15, 2026, between Álvarez’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, and Barcelona sporting director Deco, before Atlético received written communication on May 28.
During the conversation, Hidalgo reportedly informed Deco that Atlético would consider offers for the striker and indicated that he had permission to discuss a potential departure.
However, the disciplinary committee said it could not establish that Atlético had authorised the agent to negotiate Álvarez’s exit.
The federation consequently classified Barcelona’s conduct as a minor infringement rather than a serious offence, resulting in the €602 penalty. Barcelona retains the right to appeal the decision.
The controversy surrounding Álvarez intensified during the summer transfer window, amid speculation linking the Argentine international with a move to Barcelona. His reported ambition to play for the Catalan club heightened tensions with sections of Atlético’s supporters.
Álvarez, 26, joined Atlético Madrid from Manchester City in 2024 and has a contract running until 2030. His reported release clause stands at €500 million, although such a clause does not necessarily reflect a player’s market value or the price a club would ultimately accept in negotiations.
The striker’s comments about his ambitions reportedly angered some Atlético supporters, who booed him during matches this season.
However, Álvarez recently appeared to take a step towards repairing his relationship with the club’s fans after scoring the winning goal against Deportivo La Coruña on Saturday, October 24.
Following the match, he acknowledged that his earlier comments had upset supporters and expressed an understanding of their reaction.
“It was a mistake. I understand why the fans are angry. If I were a fan, I’d be angry too. Especially given how they’ve supported me since I arrived,” he said.
Atlético’s victory moved the club to within two points of LaLiga leaders Barcelona, while the reception Álvarez received after scoring suggested that relations with sections of the club’s supporters might be improving.
Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Álvarez remains an Atlético Madrid player. Barcelona’s pursuit has resulted in a financial penalty, rather than an agreement to transfer the striker.
The case highlights the importance of following established procedures when clubs seek to engage players who remain under contract with other teams. Although the fine is relatively small compared with the financial scale of elite European football, the dispute has added another layer of tension to the rivalry between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.
