Atletico Madrid accuses Barcelona of illegal talks over Julian Alvarez

Atletico Madrid have formally lodged a complaint with FIFA and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) accusing FC Barcelona of breaching transfer rules by contacting striker Julian Alvarez while he remains under contract with the Madrid club. The filing, reported by Antonio Ruiz of COPE, seeks disciplinary action and highlights the alleged improper contact during the protected period.

Atletico Madrid allege that Barcelona maintained improper contact with the Argentine forward despite his existing contract with the Madrid side. The club claims the contact breaches regulations governing international transfers and player negotiations.

In the complaint, Atletico request that both FIFA and the RFEF open disciplinary proceedings and impose any appropriate sanctions. They argue that Barcelona negotiated with a player who remains under a valid contract, an action they say contravenes the rules.

“Our responsibility is to defend the interests of Atletico Madrid, and that is why we are going to file a complaint with FIFA against Barcelona for negotiating with a player who had a valid contract during the protected period,” Miguel Angel Gil Marin said. He added that Barcelona’s conduct was disrespectful and dishonest toward Atletico, the player and the media.

Under transfer regulations, clubs are generally prohibited from negotiating directly with players who are still under contract unless they have obtained permission from the player's current club or the player is within the permitted period to negotiate a free transfer. Atletico contend that Barcelona entered discussions with Alvarez without Atletico’s authorisation, violating this rule.

Barcelona have expressed a desire to sign Alvarez, and the Argentine striker is also reported to be seeking the move. The dispute therefore centres on whether the negotiations occurred before the protected period ended.

FIFA does not have jurisdiction over disputes between clubs belonging to the same national association, meaning the case will be examined by the RFEF rather than the global body. Consequently, any disciplinary action would be determined by the Spanish federation.