Barcelona fined £503 over their approach for Atlético Madrid star Álvarez

Barcelona’s pursuit of Julián Álvarez came at a modest cost ⁠on Tuesday after the Spanish FA fined the club €602 (£503) following a complaint by Atlético Madrid over contact ⁠with the striker.

Atlético 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. Atlético ⁠also complained to Fifa, which declared it had no jurisdiction over the case.

For Álvarez, the repair work has been rather more public.

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