According to MARCA, Barcelona regard the fine as negligible for a club of their size but have no intention of paying it without contesting the decision. Their position is that their conduct was appropriate and that Atlético Madrid were informed of their interest in the Argentina international.
Atlético lodged a complaint in July after accusing Barcelona of approaching Álvarez while he remained under contract at the Madrid club. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings and has now ruled against the Catalan side.
The sanction was issued under Article 133 of the federation’s disciplinary code, which covers breaches of instructions, agreements and regulatory obligations. The provision allows for a fine of up to €602 for a minor infringement, alongside other possible disciplinary measures.
Reuters also reported the €602 penalty, confirming that Atletico Madrid had complained that Barcelona contacted the striker without first notifying his club in writing. FIFA considered a separate complaint but declined to act, saying it did not have jurisdiction over the matter.
Barcelona’s objection, as reported by MARCA, is that the club believes it acted correctly during its efforts to explore a potential move. The Catalan side maintains that Atlético were directly informed of their interest and that no financial agreement was ultimately reached between the clubs.
Álvarez remains an Atlético player, with his contract running until June 2030. The summer dispute created tension between the clubs, while the striker’s own comments about wanting to play for Barcelona added to the attention surrounding his future.
The fine is small compared with the sums usually involved in transfers at the highest level, but the dispute has become a question of conduct and precedent for Barcelona. The club’s reported decision to appeal means the case is not necessarily over, despite the federation having issued its ruling.
For Atlético, the complaint was intended to challenge the way Barcelona pursued their player. For Barcelona, the appeal is a rejection of the suggestion that their approach breached the rules. The next stage will be whether the federation’s decision survives that challenge.