Ammon News - Barcelona's pursuit of Julian Alvarez came at a modest cost on Tuesday after the Spanish ​FA fined the club €602 ($672) following a complaint by Atletico ‌Madrid over contact with the striker.

Atletico accused Barcelona of approaching the Argentine, whose contract runs until June 2030, without first notifying ​them in writing.

The sanction falls under Article 133 ​of the federation's regulations. Atletico also complained to ⁠FIFA, which declared it had no jurisdiction over ​the case.

For Alvarez, the repair work has been rather ​more public.

The striker scored Atletico's winner against Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday, finding the net for a second successive match as his side ​moved within two points of LaLiga leaders Barcelona, ​before apologising for expressing his desire to join their rivals.

"It was ‌a ⁠mistake. I understand why the fans are angry. If I were a fan, I'd be angry too. Especially given how they've supported me since I arrived," Alvarez ​said referring to ​an interview ⁠during the 2026 World Cup in which he said that he "wanted to fulfil his ​dream" of playing for Barcelona, triggering a ​transfer dispute ⁠that stretched through the summer transfer window.

Frequently booed by the home fans this season, Alvarez received a standing ovation ⁠from ​sections of the crowd after scoring ​on Saturday, a sign of a thawing relationship with the Metropolitano ​faithful.


Reuters