Atletico Madrid announced they will file a complaint with FIFA, accusing Barcelona of illegally approaching Julian Alvarez even though the Argentine forward still has a long-term contract.
Atletico Madrid has pushed tensions with Barcelona to a new level by confirming they will file a complaint with FIFA regarding Julian Alvarez’s case. This move comes just hours after the Argentine striker publicly expressed his desire to leave the Metropolitano to pursue his “dream”.
According to Miguel Angel Gil Marin, CEO of Atletico Madrid, the Spanish capital team believes that Barcelona negotiated with Alvarez while the player was still under a contract protected by FIFA. “Our responsibility is to protect the interests of Atletico Madrid. Therefore, the club will file a complaint with FIFA regarding Barcelona negotiating with a player who still has a contract during the protected period,” Mr. Gil Marin asserted.
Atletico’s firm statement comes after Alvarez’s shocking remarks following Argentina’s victory over Austria at the 2026 World Cup in the early hours of June 23. The 26-year-old forward believed that “a transfer deal is the best thing for all parties” and area-emphasized that he wants to fulfill his dream.
Previously, Spanish media continuously reported that Barcelona was Alvarez’s dream destination. Real Madrid was also previously said to have sent an offer of up to 150 million euros, but it was rejected by Atletico. The Madrid team has repeatedly asserted that they have no intention of selling the Argentine star.
This is not the first time Atletico has publicly criticized Barcelona in this matter. At the end of May, the red-and-white striped team posted a harsh message on the social media platform X, accusing their rival of conducting a “campaign of harassment and destabilization” targeting Alvarez through transfer rumors, misinformation, and disrespectful actions.
With Atletico’s decision to take the matter to FIFA, Alvarez’s future is becoming one of the biggest flashpoints of the summer 2026 transfer window.
