It’s an open secret that Julian Alvarez is considered FC Barcelona’s top transfer target. In the wake of this public tug-of-war, Atlético Madrid has filed a complaint with the RFEF and FIFA. Proceedings have now been opened.
Atlético Madrid filed a complaint with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on June 30. The reason is FC Barcelona’s conduct in the pursuit of their target player, Julian Alvarez, whom the Catalans have been courting for some time. The RFEF is now reported to have initiated proceedings and officially notified both clubs.
Specifically, the “Rojiblancos” are said to accuse Barça of negotiating with the Argentine forward despite his existing contract (which runs through 2030) and of pressuring him to make a transfer. Barcelona, under coach Hansi Flick, is alleged to have attempted to force the World Cup runner-up to leave.
Alvarez’s statement may have been the trigger
According to Marca, the Madrid club is said to have approached FIFA in addition to the Spanish federation. Gil Marin, CEO of Atlético, had already announced weeks ago that the club would appeal to the relevant authorities to defend its interests.
The main trigger for the complaint was reportedly the 26-year-old’s statement at the end of June: “It’s best for everyone” if he leaves Atlético, Alvarez said at the time. Before Barcelona publicly expressed its interest in signing the Argentine, Real Madrid had already made overtures to Alvarez—Atlético rejected an offer of 150 million euros.
Is Barcelona under pressure, or is this just a conflict of interest?
Barça President Laporta, in particular, was vocal about the club’s interest in Alvarez. It was no coincidence that the Catalans had requested a transfer advance of 210 million euros. The “Rojiblancos,” led by club president Cerezo, remained firm throughout, leading to a publicly played game of transfer poker. According to his statements in June, Alvarez has not yet made any concrete comments about his future.
Now the reigning Spanish champions owe an explanation and must respond to the Rojiblancos’ accusations—even if it sounds more like a conflict of interest between two rival clubs.