Barcelona have been fined €602 by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) over their involvement in the failed attempt to sign Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.
The dispute began during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when Alvarez reportedly shocked Atletico by expressing his desire to leave. Barcelona were the Argentina international’s preferred destination.
However, the proposed transfer led to an angry exchange between the two Spanish clubs. Atletico confirmed they would not sell Alvarez to Barcelona, while the player was not convinced by the prospect of returning to the Premier League.
Arsenal remain interested in the former Manchester City forward, although a move in January now appears impossible.
Atletico subsequently reported Barcelona to the RFEF, which has now issued the Catalan club with the lowest possible punishment: a €602 fine.
FIFA was not eligible to investigate the matter, leaving the RFEF to handle Atletico’s complaint.
The closest previous precedent came in the summer of 2019, when Atletico reported Barcelona for signing a contract with French striker Antoine Griezmann. That case was settled with a €300 fine.