Barcelona have been fined €602 by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following a complaint from Atlético Madrid over the Catalan club’s approach for striker Julián Álvarez.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the sanction was confirmed on Tuesday under Article 133 of the RFEF disciplinary regulations for failing to comply with regulatory obligations. The offence is classified as a minor infringement.
Spanish regulations require clubs seeking to negotiate with a contracted player to first notify the player’s current club in writing. Atlético alleged that Barcelona failed to meet the requirement when it expressed interest in Álvarez.
The Argentina international, 26, remains under contract with Atlético until June 2030 after joining the club from Manchester City in 2024.
Barcelona’s interest intensified during the summer transfer window after Álvarez spoke publicly about his long-standing ambition to play for the Catalan club. However, no deal was reached and the forward remained in Madrid.
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Atlético also complained to FIFA, but the world football governing body said it had no jurisdiction over a dispute involving two Spanish clubs and referred the matter to the RFEF.
The federation opened a disciplinary case in July and has now imposed the maximum fine available under the relevant minor-infringement provision.
Barcelona intend to appeal the decision, maintaining that they informed Atlético of their interest and acted correctly throughout the process.
The €602 fine is similar to a 2019 case involving Atlético’s complaint over Barcelona’s approach for Antoine Griezmann, which resulted in a €300 fine.
