Barcelona fined €602 over Álvarez approach, club plans appeal
Abdullateef Fowewe
Barcelona have been fined €602 by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following a complaint from Atlético Madrid about the way the Catalan club handled their interest in striker Julián Álvarez.
The sanction was imposed under Article 133 of the RFEF regulations for failure to comply with orders, instructions, agreements or regulatory obligations.
Atlético accused Barcelona of approaching Álvarez who remains under contract with the Madrid side until 2030 without first notifying them in writing, as required before initiating negotiations with a player under contract.
Barcelona intend to appeal the decision, Dailyeconomy gathered.
The fine is the maximum amount set for this category of minor infringement and has been widely described as symbolic or “irrisory” given the size of the club.
Interest in Álvarez intensified during the 2026 summer transfer window.
The Argentina international, who joined Atlético from Manchester City in 2024, publicly expressed a desire to play for Barcelona during the World Cup.
This sparked a prolonged transfer saga between the two La Liga clubs. Atlético refused to sell their key forward to a direct rival, and no deal materialised.
Álvarez stayed at the club and later apologised to Atlético supporters for his comments after scoring a decisive goal.
Atlético also filed a complaint with FIFA, which ruled it had no jurisdiction over the matter, leaving the case with the Spanish federation.
The RFEF investigation focused on the timing of contacts between Barcelona officials and Álvarez’s representatives relative to formal written notification to Atlético.
