Barcelona fined €602 over approach for Atlético's Julián Álvarez
- Spain's football federation fined Barcelona €602 after Atlético Madrid complained about its approach for striker Julián Álvarez.
- Atlético said Barcelona did not notify them in writing before talking to the player's agent; Barcelona deny wrongdoing and will appeal.
- Álvarez, under contract until 2030, has apologised to Atlético fans for his earlier comments about wanting to leave.
Barcelona have been fined €602 by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) after Atlético Madrid complained about how the Catalan club went after striker Julián Álvarez, according to reports carried by Punch, Vanguard and Naija News.
The fine was confirmed on Tuesday under Article 133 of the federation's disciplinary rules, which covers failure to meet official instructions and regulatory obligations. It is classed as a minor infringement, and the sum is the highest available for that category.
Under Spanish rules, a club that wants to negotiate with a player still under contract elsewhere must first tell the player's current club in writing.
What the disciplinary panel found
Atlético alleged Barcelona did not follow that step before making its move. The disciplinary proceedings found that a conversation took place on 15 May 2026 between Álvarez's agent, Fernando Hidalgo, and Barcelona sporting director Deco, before Atlético received written communication on 28 May.
During that conversation, Hidalgo reportedly said Atlético would consider offers for the striker and that he had permission to discuss a possible exit. The committee, however, said it could not establish that Atlético had authorised the agent to negotiate the player's departure.
Atlético also took the matter to FIFA, which said it had no jurisdiction over a dispute between two Spanish clubs and left it with the RFEF. The federation opened a disciplinary file in late July.
Barcelona insist they informed Atlético of their interest and handled the process correctly. Spanish media, including Marca and El Chiringuito, report that the club will appeal on principle rather than because of the amount.
The figure has been widely described as symbolic. It echoes a 2019 case in which Atlético complained about Barcelona's approach for Antoine Griezmann and the fine was just €300.
Álvarez stays, and says sorry
Álvarez, 26, joined Atlético from Manchester City in 2024 and is under contract until June 2030, with a reported release clause of €500m. No transfer happened, and he stayed in Madrid.
His public comments about wanting to play for Barcelona angered some Atlético supporters, and he was booed at times this season. He scored the winner against Deportivo La Coruña on Saturday, his second goal in two matches, and afterwards apologised.
It was a mistake. I understand why the fans are angry. If I were a fan, I'd be angry too,
he said, according to Vanguard, adding that he understood their anger given how they have supported him since he arrived.
The win left Atlético two points behind LaLiga leaders Barcelona, and the reception he got after scoring suggested relations with some fans may be improving.
What happens next: Barcelona's planned appeal means the disciplinary matter is not fully closed. On the pitch, Álvarez remains an Atlético player as the title race with Barcelona tightens.
