Julian Alvarez: Spanish football fines Barcelona
Spread the word Barcelona have been fined €602 by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following a complaint by Atlético Madrid over the Catalan club's alleged approach to Argentine striker Julián Álvarez without first notifying his employers in writing. The decision, announced on Tuesday, October 27, brings the federation's disciplinary proceedings over the transfer dispute to a close, although Atlético had also taken its complaint to FIFA.
The punishment has attracted attention because of its relatively small financial value, particularly given the tension the pursuit of Álvarez generated between the two Spanish clubs during the summer transfer window. Atlético alleged that Barcelona attempted to approach the forward, who remains under contract with the Madrid club until June 2030, without complying with the required procedure for contacting a player registered with another club.
The RFEF imposed the fine under Article 133 of its disciplinary regulations, which addresses failure to comply with relevant orders, instructions, agreements or regulatory obligations. Why Barcelona were fined The dispute centres on regulations governing how clubs approach professional footballers who are still under contract with another team.
Under the relevant Spanish competition rules, a club interested in signing a contracted player must notify the player's current club in writing of its intention before beginning negotiations with the footballer. Atlético accused Barcelona of failing to follow that procedure in its pursuit of Álvarez, prompting the Madrid club to lodge a formal complaint with the RFEF.
The federation opened disciplinary proceedings in late July to examine the allegations and determine whether Barcelona had breached the applicable regulations. Following the proceedings, Barcelona received a €602 fine under Article 133, which classifies the relevant category of regulatory breach as a minor offence.
The provision allows for a fine of up to €602, alongside other possible disciplinary measures in circumstances covered by the regulation. In Barcelona's case, the financial penalty was the sanction imposed.
The decision does not mean that Álvarez has been transferred to Barcelona or that Atlético has agreed to release him. The Argentine forward remains an Atlético player, with his existing contract running until June 2030.
FIFA declines to intervene Atlético also submitted a complaint to FIFA over Barcelona's alleged approach to the striker. However, the international football governing body declined to pursue the matter, stating that it lacked jurisdiction over the case.
The Spanish federation consequently handled the disciplinary proceedings under its own regulations. The outcome leaves Barcelona facing a relatively modest financial penalty rather than a major sporting sanction in the case.