Barcelona faces RFEF investigation over Julián Álvarez pursuit
Barcelona has received notification from the RFEF (Spanish Federation) regarding an official complaint filed by Atlético Madrid concerning Barcelona’s pursuit of striker Julián Álvarez. The complaint, lodged by Atlético approximately a month ago, alleges that Barcelona engaged in negotiations with a player who is currently under contract.
Atlético Madrid claims that Barcelona’s actions are behind Álvarez’s public transfer request, which was made during the World Cup. The RFEF has informed Barcelona that an official investigation is underway, and the Catalan club is now required to present its arguments in response to the allegations.
Disciplinary Procedure Initiated
The case is being managed through an extraordinary disciplinary procedure. Both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid are expected to submit written responses to the allegations before the federation issues a final verdict. Barcelona’s legal team is currently preparing their response to the complaint.
At the center of Atlético’s complaint are alleged discussions between Barcelona and Álvarez’s representatives. Álvarez remains under contract with Atlético Madrid until mid-2030. Spanish regulations stipulate that a club can only formally approach a contracted player if permission has been granted by their current employer. Atlético asserts that Barcelona violated these rules.
Barcelona has openly acknowledged its interest in signing Álvarez. Earlier this month, Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed that the club had submitted an official bid to Atlético. However, Atlético Madrid rejected this proposal and has consistently stated that the 26-year-old forward is not available for transfer this summer.
Stalemate in Negotiations
For now, Barcelona views the initiation of the investigation as a standard procedural step and intends to present its version of events to the federation. Atlético will also elaborate on its position, after which the competent bodies of the federation will review the case.
Despite the ongoing investigation and Atlético’s firm stance, Álvarez remains Barcelona’s primary target in their search for a new striker. Negotiations between the clubs are currently deadlocked due to Atlético’s unwillingness to discuss a transfer. Reports from Spanish media indicate that Atlético also declined a €150 million bid from Real Madrid for the player.
Atlético Madrid has made it clear that they do not wish to sell Julián Álvarez to Barcelona. Barcelona’s prospects of securing the player reportedly depend on Álvarez taking further public action, such as issuing another transfer request or declining to rejoin the squad for preseason training, to force a move.
Álvarez had previously indicated during the World Cup that he was open to a new challenge away from the Estadio Metropolitano. Whether this will result in a departure this summer remains uncertain. His release clause is set at €500 million, and Atlético is not prepared to facilitate a transfer for a lower amount.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta mentioned that the club’s €100 million offer for Álvarez is set to expire soon. While dealing with the complaint, Barcelona is reportedly exploring other alternatives in their search for a striker and must also demonstrate that they did not violate any regulations in their pursuit of Álvarez.
The next scheduled event for Álvarez is Atlético Madrid’s first training session after his holiday, which is set for 10 August.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
