The Spanish FA has fined Barcelona €602 (£503) after an Atlético Madrid complaint about the club's contact with striker Julián Álvarez. Atlético said Barcelona approached the Argentina international without first notifying them in writing. The fine was imposed on Tuesday.
Atlético also lodged a grievance with FIFA, which concluded it lacked jurisdiction in the matter. The penalty rests on Article 133 within the federation's rulebook. AS reported that this article covers minor breaches of regulatory obligations.
Álvarez, 26, remains under contract at Atlético until June 2030. He joined Atlético from Manchester City on a six-year deal in August 2024, in a move worth up to £81.5m. He has scored 51 times in 115 games for Atlético, having scored 36 goals in 103 appearances for City. Arsenal were also linked with him over the summer, but that move failed to materialise and he stayed at Atlético.
The dispute grew out of an interview during the 2026 World Cup, in which he said he "wanted to fulfil his dream" of playing for Barcelona. The comment sparked a wrangle over a move that lasted all the way through the summer transfer period.
On the pitch, he scored Atlético's winner against Deportivo La Coruña on Saturday, finding the net for a second successive match. The win moved his side within two points of La Liga leaders Barcelona. He has been frequently booed by the home fans this season, but sections of the crowd gave him a standing ovation after that goal. The Guardian described it as a sign of a thawing relationship with the Metropolitano faithful.
Apologising to Atlético's fans after the win, Álvarez said:
"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."
The fine brings the federation's proceedings to a close.
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