Barcelona have received a fine of 602 euros, approximately £503, following a formal complaint from Atletico Madrid regarding their conduct concerning striker Julian Alvarez. The Spanish football association issued the penalty after Atletico alleged that their La Liga rivals initiated contact with the Argentina international without providing the required written notification.
While Atletico also pursued the matter with Fifa, the global governing body ruled that it lacked jurisdiction over the specific case. The 26-year-old forward, who joined Atletico from Manchester City in August 2024 on a six-year deal valued at up to £81.5m, remains under contract with the Madrid club until June 2030.
Alvarez recently addressed public frustration regarding his summer transfer comments, in which he expressed a desire to fulfill his dream of playing for Barcelona. Speaking after a victory against Deportivo La Coruna—a win that moved Diego Simeone’s squad within two points of league leaders Barcelona—he admitted the remarks were a mistake.
“If I were a fan, I’d be angry too. Especially given how they’ve supported me since I arrived,” Alvarez stated, while also offering an apology to the Atletico fanbase. The forward had faced boos from supporters earlier this season but received a standing ovation after scoring his first league goal of the current campaign during the weekend match.
Since his move to the Spanish capital, the striker has found the net 51 times in 115 appearances for Atletico, building on his previous record of 36 goals in 103 games while at Manchester City.
