Barcelona fined £503 over approach for Alvarez

Barcelona have been fined £503 by La Liga following complaints from Atletico Madrid over the club's approach to striker Julian Alvarez. The 26-year-old Argentine international remained at Atletico, whose contract runs until 2030. Barcelona had contacted Alvarez without first notifying Atletico in writing, which provoked anger among the rival fans.

The Spanish football association issued the fine, and while Atletico also lodged a complaint with FIFA, the world governing body declared it had no jurisdiction over the matter. Alvarez has faced booing from his own supporters this season, but managed to gain a standing ovation after scoring the winning goal against Deportivo La Coruna.

Following the victory, which narrowed the gap between Barcelona and Atletico to just two points, Alvarez apologized to his former team's fans, admitting his earlier comments about wanting to play for Barcelona were a mistake. Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in August 2024 in a deal worth up to £81.5m, and has since scored 51 goals in 115 appearances for his new club.