Barcelona under RFEF investigation after Atletico Madrid complaint over Julian Alvarez pursuit

Barcelona are facing disciplinary proceedings after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) opened an official investigation into the club following a complaint from Atletico Madrid over their pursuit of Julian Alvarez.

The case centres on allegations that Barcelona made an illegal approach for the Argentina international outside the period permitted by Spanish football regulations.

RFEF opens disciplinary proceedings

According to reports from Marca, the RFEF has launched extraordinary disciplinary proceedings after Atletico Madrid submitted a formal complaint on June 30.

The Madrid club claim Barcelona initiated contact with Alvarez without their permission while the striker remained under contract.

Alvarez is tied to Atletico until June 2030, with the club insisting they have no intention of selling one of their most valuable assets.

Both clubs have now been officially informed of the investigation and will have the opportunity to submit their respective evidence before a disciplinary ruling is made.

Atletico refuse to back down

Relations between the two La Liga rivals have become increasingly strained as Barcelona continue their pursuit of the 26-year-old forward.

Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin previously warned the club would defend its interests if any rival attempted to negotiate directly with Alvarez without following the proper procedures.

Despite those warnings, Barcelona president Joan Laporta publicly confirmed earlier this month that the club had already submitted an offer for the Argentine striker.

However, Atletico remain unwilling to negotiate and continue to reject any possibility of discussing a transfer.

Their firm stance has transformed Alvarez’s future into one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.

Alvarez still wants a new challenge

While the clubs prepare for a legal battle, Alvarez’s own position continues to fuel speculation.

The Argentina international reportedly informed Atletico during the recent World Cup that he is ready for a new challenge after just one season in Madrid.

Barcelona view the former Manchester City forward as their priority attacking target ahead of the new campaign and remain determined to complete a deal despite the complications.

Barcelona prepare legal response

The opening of disciplinary proceedings does not automatically imply wrongdoing, but it represents a significant escalation in the dispute.

Barcelona are expected to argue that the federation’s notification is simply part of the standard disciplinary process and are preparing a legal defence against Atletico’s allegations.

At the same time, club officials remain focused on finding a solution that could eventually unlock negotiations for Alvarez, although Atletico’s refusal to engage continues to make any agreement appear unlikely.

With both clubs standing firm, the outcome of the RFEF investigation could play a significant role in determining whether Barcelona’s pursuit of Alvarez progresses or collapses.

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