Atlético Madrid Report Barcelona to FIFA Over Álvarez Pursuit

Atlético Madrid have lodged a formal complaint with FIFA and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), accusing Barcelona of making an improper approach for striker Julián Álvarez while he remains under contract with the Madrid club. Atlético allege that Barcelona held unauthorised discussions with the player's representatives in breach of transfer regulations governing contracted players.

The complaint follows months of speculation linking the Argentina international with a move to Barcelona after the Catalan club identified him as a key transfer target. Although Barcelona are understood to have expressed strong interest in signing the forward, Atlético have repeatedly insisted that Álvarez is not for sale and remain determined to keep him at the club.

According to reports, FIFA and the RFEF have formally notified Barcelona of the complaint and requested the club's response. Barcelona's legal team is expected to defend the club's actions, while the governing bodies assess whether any transfer regulations were breached during the pursuit of the striker.

Atlético have criticised what they describe as a lack of respect for contractual agreements, maintaining that clubs must follow established procedures when attempting to sign players under contract elsewhere. The dispute has further intensified the already tense relationship between the two La Liga rivals during the summer transfer window.

The outcome of FIFA's review could influence one of the biggest transfer sagas of the window, although Barcelona continue to explore alternative options should a move for Álvarez ultimately prove impossible.