Atlético de Madrid to file FIFA complaint against Barcelona over Julián Álvarez

Atlético de Madrid announced it will lodge a formal complaint with FIFA, accusing FC Barcelona of illegal negotiations with Argentine striker Julián Álvarez. Álvarez, who is under contract with Atlético until 30 June 2030 and carries a €500 million release clause, said after Argentina’s World Cup win over Austria that a transfer would be “best for everyone” and would fulfil his dream. Atlético’s chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín said the club must defend its interests and that Barcelona’s approach breached the protected period of Álvarez’s contract, calling the actions “disrespectful” and comparing them to previous disputed approaches. The club has also accused Barcelona of a recent “campaign of harassment” and of spreading false information about the player. The complaint will be submitted to FIFA for review.

The dispute has drawn commentary from media figures, who contrasted Barcelona’s alleged conduct with the protocol followed by Real Madrid in similar transfer talks, emphasizing Atlético’s intention to keep Álvarez at the club.