Barcelona have been fined 602 euros (£503) after a complaint from Atletico Madrid over the club’s contact with striker Julian Alvarez.
Atletico accused their La Liga rivals of approaching the Argentina international without first notifying them in writing. The Spanish football association issued the fine. Atletico also complained to Fifa, but football’s governing body declared it had no jurisdiction over the case.
The 26-year-old remained at Atletico, where his contract runs until June 2030.
Apology to the fans
Alvarez has frequently been booed by his own supporters this season, but some fans gave him a standing ovation after he scored the winning goal against Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday. That victory took Diego Simeone’s side within two points of leaders Barcelona.
Following the match, Alvarez apologised to Atletico’s supporters. Referring to a summer interview in which he said he wanted to “fulfil his dream” of playing for Barcelona, he said: “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.”
Background
Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City on a six-year deal in August 2024, in a move worth up to £81.5m. He scored 36 goals in 103 appearances for City and has found the net 51 times in 115 games for Atletico.