Barcelona fined €602 over their approach for Atlético's Julián Álvarez
Spain's football federation has fined Barcelona 602 euros after Atlético Madrid complained that the club contacted Julián Álvarez without telling them in writing first. FIFA said the case was outside its jurisdiction.
By TuSport Desk · 29 Oct 2026, 05:00 WAT
Barcelona have been fined 602 euros (about £503) by the Spanish football federation after a complaint from Atlético Madrid about the club's contact with striker Julián Álvarez, BBC Sport and ESPN reported on Tuesday 27 October.
Atlético said their La Liga rivals approached the Argentina international without first notifying them in writing. They also took the matter to FIFA, but world football's governing body said it had no jurisdiction over the case.
The approach did not lead to a move. Álvarez, 26, stayed at Atlético, and his contract runs until June 2030.
The forward has been booed by sections of Atlético's own supporters this season, after a summer interview in which he spoke about wanting to "fulfil his dream" of playing for Barcelona. Some fans gave him a standing ovation on Saturday when he scored the only goal in the 1-0 win over Deportivo La Coruña, a result that moved Diego Simeone's side to within two points of leaders Barcelona.
After that game Álvarez apologised to the fans. "It was a mistake. I understand why the fans are angry," he said, according to BBC Sport. "If I were a fan, I'd be angry too. Especially given how they've supported me since I arrived."
Álvarez joined Atlético from Manchester City on a six-year deal in August 2024, in a move worth up to £81.5m. He scored 36 goals in 103 games for City and has 51 goals in 115 games for Atlético, BBC Sport says.
Sources: www.bbc.com · www.espn.com
