Atlético Madrid intend to file a complaint with FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber against FC Barcelona, alleging the Catalan club improperly negotiated with Julián Álvarez, according to reports in Spanish newspaper AS. The complaint centres around claims that Barcelona approached Álvarez while he remained under contract with Atlético until 2030.
A source at Atlético Madrid reportedly told AS, “Everyone knows it’s a dishonest club. But they’ve run into a club that won’t let them get away with it.” The accusation suggests Barcelona circumvented proper transfer protocols by directly engaging with the player before securing Atlético’s permission.
Álvarez, currently with the Argentina national team at the World Cup, has publicly stated his desire to leave Atlético Madrid, though he did not specifically mention Barcelona as a potential destination. AS reports Álvarez stated that Barcelona would need to meet his €500 million release clause to secure his transfer, effectively ruling out a deal unless the club’s financial situation dramatically improves.
The potential arrival of the World Cup winner has reportedly generated excitement within the Barcelona dressing room. Gavi and Fermín López both reportedly ‘liked’ social media posts regarding Álvarez’s desire to leave Atlético, before quickly removing their reactions, as noted by Sport. This suggests internal enthusiasm for the transfer, despite the complications.
Álvarez has been a key player for Atlético Madrid since joining the club, contributing consistently in La Liga and the Champions League. Barcelona, meanwhile, continue to navigate a complex financial landscape, making significant transfers challenging despite their interest in high-profile players. The outcome of Atlético’s complaint could significantly impact Barcelona’s ability to pursue Álvarez, and sets a precedent regarding approaches to players under long-term contracts.
