Barcelona fined €602 over their approach for Atlético Madrid star Julián Álvarez
The Spanish FA has fined Barcelona €602 after Atlético Madrid filed a complaint over contact with Julián Álvarez without written notice. The Argentine forward, under contract until 2030, spent the summer at the centre of a transfer dispute. He is now working to rebuild his relationship with Atlético supporters.
ByJavi
4 min read
Barcelona have been handed a €602 fine by the Spanish FA after Atlético Madrid complained that their summer move for Julián Álvarez had crossed a line. The Madrid club argued that Barcelona approached the Argentine striker, who is tied to Atlético until June 2030, without first notifying them in writing.
- The Spanish FA imposes a €602 fine on Barcelona following Atlético's complaint.
- The breach falls under Article 133 of the federation's regulations.
- Atlético also took the matter to FIFA, which said it had no jurisdiction over the case.
- Álvarez scored the winner against Deportivo La Coruña and was given a standing ovation by part of the crowd.
- The striker apologised for saying during the World Cup that he wanted to join Barcelona.
Article 133 and the FIFA ruling on the Álvarez case
The sanction against Barcelona is based on Article 133 of the federation's regulations, which sets out how clubs are expected to deal with players who are under contract elsewhere. Atlético Madrid also filed a complaint with FIFA over the same episode, but the governing body determined that it had no grounds to intervene.
Álvarez's public apology to Atlético fans
The forward has admitted he made a mistake when he said in an interview during the World Cup that he wanted to fulfil his dream of playing for Barcelona. Those comments triggered a transfer battle that ran through the summer window and set the tone for a difficult start to the season.
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.
His apology comes after months in which sections of the Metropolitano crowd have booed him. The repair work now appears to be moving forward, helped by his output in front of goal.
From boos to a standing ovation at the Metropolitano
Saturday's meeting with Deportivo La Coruña offered two snapshots of where Álvarez stands now. First, he scored the goal that gave Atlético a narrow victory and kept them two points behind leaders Barcelona. Second, part of the home crowd responded with an ovation as he left the pitch after finding the net.
The striker has now scored in back-to-back matches, and his goals are helping to mend his bond with the supporters. The club, for its part, has never treated him as anything other than a central piece of its medium-term plans.
What lies ahead for Álvarez this season
With Atlético firmly in the La Liga title race and the fans warming to him again, the Argentine's next task is to establish himself as the team's attacking leader. His contract until 2030 provides stability, and his performances on the pitch are steadily quieting the noise that surrounded the summer.
FAQ on the Barcelona fine and the Julián Álvarez case
Frequently asked questions
Why was Barcelona fined over Julián Álvarez?
Atlético Madrid filed a complaint claiming Barcelona contacted the forward without notifying them in writing first. The Spanish FA considered that a breach of Article 133 of its regulations and imposed a fine of €602.
What happened between Julián Álvarez and the Atlético fans?
During the World Cup, Álvarez said he dreamed of playing for Barcelona, which sparked a dispute between the clubs. Many Atlético supporters reacted with anger and booed him for months, but his goals and public apology are now helping to rebuild the relationship.
What is Julián Álvarez's contract situation?
The Argentine forward is under contract with Atlético Madrid until June 2030. The club sees him as a key part of its project, and the player himself has reaffirmed his commitment since the transfer window closed.