Barcelona have been handed a fine of 602 euros (£503) by the Spanish football association after Atletico Madrid lodged a formal complaint over the Catalan club's unsanctioned contact with striker Julian Alvarez.

Atletico alleged that Barcelona approached Alvarez — an Argentina international — without first notifying them in writing, as regulations require. The 25-year-old forward stayed put at Atletico, where he remains contracted until June 2030.

Atletico also escalated the matter to Fifa, but football's global governing body ruled that the case fell outside its jurisdiction.

Alvarez apologises to Atletico fans

The Argentina striker has endured a turbulent relationship with Atletico's supporters this season, facing repeated boos from the stands. That friction, however, eased markedly on Saturday when Alvarez scored the winner against Deportivo La Coruna, earning a standing ovation from sections of the crowd.

The victory moved Diego Simeone's side to within two points of La Liga leaders Barcelona, and Alvarez used the post-match moment to address the tension with the club's fanbase directly.

In comments that referenced an interview he gave over the summer — in which he expressed a desire to "fulfil his dream" of playing for Barcelona — Alvarez offered a candid apology.

"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."

From Manchester City to Atletico Madrid

Alvarez made the move from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid in August 2024 on a six-year deal worth up to £81.5m. During his time at City, he scored 36 goals in 103 appearances. Since arriving in Madrid, he has been even more prolific, netting 51 times in 115 games for Atletico.