Atletico Madrid files FIFA complaint over Barcelona approach

Atlético Madrid has announced its intention to file a formal complaint with FIFA against Barcelona, accusing its La Liga rival of making an improper approach for star forward Julián Álvarez. The escalating dispute centers on allegations that Barcelona negotiated with the 26-year-old Argentine international without Atlético's consent while he remains under contract.

Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín confirmed the planned complaint in statements to Spanish news agency EFE on Tuesday, June 23. He accused Barcelona of disrespect and of attempting to unsettle Álvarez, who has publicly expressed his desire to leave the club. "Our responsibility is to defend the interests of Atlético and that is why we are going to file a complaint with FIFA against Barcelona for negotiating with a player under an active contract during the protected period," Gil Marín said.

The club alleges that Barcelona's actions constitute "tapping up," a breach of FIFA regulations that prohibit clubs from contacting a player under contract elsewhere without first obtaining written permission from his employing club. Atlético sources have drawn parallels to Barcelona's alleged conduct prior to Antoine Griezmann's...