Barcelona have been fined €602 (around $700) by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following an investigation into a complaint filed by Atlético Madrid over alleged contact with striker Julián Álvarez, who remains under contract with the Madrid club through June 30, 2030.
Atlético had also lodged a complaint against Barcelona with FIFA, but football's world governing body ruled that it did not have jurisdiction over the matter.
The RFEF based its decision on Article 133 of its disciplinary regulations, which covers minor breaches of regulatory obligations. Atlético argued that Barcelona should have contacted the club in writing before approaching Álvarez, rather than making contact with the player directly.
The dispute followed comments Álvarez made while at the World Cup in the United States, when he publicly expressed a desire to leave Atlético, saying he wanted "a transfer, because it's best for everyone involved."
The episode further strained relations between the two clubs, with Atlético challenging Barcelona's conduct over one of its most important players. Despite the complaint and the resulting investigation, the financial penalty is relatively minor, bringing the federation's proceedings to a close with a fine of roughly $700.
