Barcelona have been fined 602 euros (£503) after a complaint from Atletico Madrid over contact the club made with striker Julian Alvarez.
Atletico accused their La Liga rivals of approaching the Argentina international without first notifying them in writing. The fine was issued by the Spanish football association. 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 he has a contract that 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. He referred to an interview he gave during the summer, in which he said he wanted to “fulfil his dream” of playing for Barcelona.
“It was a mistake. I understand why the fans are angry,” Alvarez said. “If I were a fan, I’d be angry too. Especially given how they’ve supported me since I arrived.”
Goalscoring record at Atletico
Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid 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.