Barcelona has received a financial penalty from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following a complaint lodged by Atlético Madrid regarding the Catalan club’s approach to signing Julián Álvarez during the summer transfer window.
Mundo Deportivo revealed that the decision came after an investigation into contacts attributed to Barcelona with the player, who remains under contract with the Rojiblancos, in a disciplinary case that was opened in late July.
The fine amounted to just €602, based on Article 133 concerning non-compliance with orders, instructions, agreements, and regulatory duties, which classifies such infractions as minor offenses.
Atlético’s grievance was based on the obligation to notify a club in writing of the intention to sign one of their professional players prior to initiating negotiations, with the Madrid club arguing that Barcelona acted without fulfilling this procedure.
The Madrid club’s actions were not limited to the domestic federation; they also filed a separate complaint with FIFA, though world football’s governing body declared itself incompetent to review the case.
The background of the dispute dates back to Álvarez’s desire to leave during the summer and his comments regarding his future during the World Cup, before the transfer window closed with him staying at Atlético, despite being heavily linked with a move to Barcelona.
Atlético holds a contract with the Argentine forward until June 2030, having signed him from Manchester City in the summer of 2024 for €75 million plus add-ons, which explains their determination to control any negotiations regarding his future.
The case brings to mind Atlético’s complaint against Barcelona over Antoine Griezmann’s transfer in 2019, which concluded with a €300 fine, repeating a pattern of limited financial penalties in fresh disputes between the two clubs.
Despite the meager amount, Barcelona intends to appeal the decision, according to the El Chiringuito program, keeping the disciplinary saga alive even though the attempt to sign the player ended without an agreement.
