A source within Barcelona confirmed to AFP on Thursday that Atletico Madrid has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, alleging that the Catalan club acted improperly in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez. Atletico contends that Barcelona engaged in prohibited discussions with the 26-year-old forward to pressure him into requesting a transfer.
The controversy stems from comments made by the Argentine striker during the World Cup, where he suggested that his exit from Atletico would benefit all parties. Barcelona president Joan Laporta previously stated in early July that the club submitted a bid for Alvarez and intends to keep that offer open indefinitely. Reports from the Spanish press indicate that Atletico has also sought action through the Spanish football federation, though the federation has remained silent on the matter.
Earlier this year, Atletico declined a 150 million euro offer for Alvarez from Real Madrid, a move many saw as a strategic effort by club president Florentino Perez to disrupt Barcelona’s plans. Barcelona is currently seeking a replacement for striker Robert Lewandowski following his departure at the close of last season. Alvarez, who joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 for a fee reaching 85 million euros, remains at the center of the dispute.
