Barcelona fined 602 euros over Alvarez approach; striker scores, apologizes
Atletico Madrid's complaint over contact with Julian Alvarez led to a small federation sanction, while the striker addressed comments he made about wanting to join Barcelona.
By Marcus Reed ·
Barcelona was fined 602 euros, or about $670, by the Spanish FA after Atletico Madrid complained that the club contacted Julian Alvarez without first providing written notice.
Atletico said the approach came without the required notification; the sanction was issued under Article 133 of the federation's regulations. Atletico also filed a complaint with FIFA, which said it had no jurisdiction over the matter.
Alvarez, whose contract with Atletico runs through June 2030, scored the winner against Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday, his second goal in as many matches, moving Atletico to within two points of La Liga leaders Barcelona.
He had faced boos from home supporters this season after saying during the 2026 World Cup that he "wanted to fulfil his dream" of playing for Barcelona, a remark that fed a transfer dispute through the summer window.
"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," Alvarez said. Sections of the crowd at the Metropolitano gave him a standing ovation after Saturday's goal.
Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 in a deal worth up to 95 million euros, or about $111 million. He scored 36 goals in 103 appearances for Manchester City and has 51 goals in 115 games for Atletico.
Source: Al Jazeera
