Barcelona fined £503 over their approach for Atlético Madrid star Álvarez

Barcelona fined €602 by Spanish FA for approaching Álvarez without notifying Atlético Madrid in writing during summer pursuit.

Barcelona received a fine of €602 (£503) from the Spanish FA on Tuesday following a complaint by Atlético Madrid over the club's contact with striker Julián Álvarez during the summer transfer window. Atlético accused Barcelona of approaching the Argentine international without first notifying them in writing, a breach of Article 133 of the federation's regulations. Atlético also lodged a complaint with FIFA, which determined it had no jurisdiction over the matter.

For Álvarez himself, the fallout from his public desire to join Barcelona has been more significant. The striker apologised to Atlético fans after an interview during the 2026 World Cup in which he expressed his wish to "fulfil his dream" of playing for Barcelona. He acknowledged the mistake, saying: "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." After being frequently booed this season, Álvarez received a standing ovation from sections of the crowd following his goal against Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday, his second in successive matches, suggesting a thawing of relations with Atlético's supporters.