The Royal Spanish Football Federation has punished Barcelona after Atlético Madrid's complaint in the Julián Álvarez case. Mundo Deportivo revealed that Barcelona will face a fine of 602 euros.
How the investigation began
The investigation was opened by the Royal Spanish Football Federation following Atlético Madrid's complaint over Julián Álvarez. Late last July, the Spanish federation opened an exceptional disciplinary investigation into the case after Atlético Madrid lodged an official complaint.
On 30 June, Atlético lodged an official complaint with the Spanish federation and FIFA.
What Atlético alleged
Atlético accused Barcelona of making contact with Julián Álvarez and trying to lure him away despite his ongoing deal. Atlético argued that the contacts took place during the contractual protection period.
The Spanish competition regulations state that any club wishing to sign a professional player under a valid contract must notify his current club in writing before opening negotiations.
Basis for the decision
According to Mundo Deportivo, the decision rested on Article 133 of the Spanish federation's disciplinary code, covering breaches of organisational instructions, decisions and obligations.
Mundo Deportivo said FIFA did not take up the case because it had no jurisdiction over a dispute between two clubs belonging to the same national federation.
Reference to an earlier case
Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke openly of coach Hansi Flick's desire to sign Álvarez.
The summer of 2019 brought a complaint from Atlético Madrid about Barcelona over their negotiations with Antoine Griezmann, who eventually joined Barcelona. Barcelona were fined 300 euros in the Griezmann case in the summer of 2019.