Spanish football federation opens disciplinary proceedings against Barcelona following Atletico's complaint about alleged improper contact with contracted forward Julian Alvarez.
11:53 AM
Atletico Madrid has reported Barcelona to the Spanish football federation (RFEF) over their perceived improper pursuit of Julian Alvarez, the Argentine forward under contract with the Madrid club until 2030.
The RFEF's Disciplinary Committee has opened an extraordinary disciplinary proceeding against Barcelona following the complaint filed by Atletico on June 30. The federation notified both clubs of the decision on Thursday. The complaint alleges that Barcelona engaged in negotiations with Alvarez despite his existing contract with Atletico and outside permitted regulatory timeframes.
Alvarez, 26, has been the subject of multiple disputes between La Liga clubs this summer. He told reporters during the World Cup that he wanted to seek a transfer away from Atletico's Metropolitano stadium. Barcelona had been in talks with Atletico over a potential deal for the forward, with reports in May indicating the Catalan club was preparing a formal offer of around €100 million.
The federation has appointed an instructor to handle the proceedings and has communicated the decision to Barcelona, which now has the opportunity to lodge allegations in response to the charges. Sources at Barcelona confirmed receipt of the official notification on Thursday, noting that the opening of the proceeding follows standard protocol for the federation and provides the club with a chance to present its defense before a determination is made.
The complaint has also been submitted to FIFA alongside the Spanish federation. Barcelona sources stated the club is confident it can demonstrate that it has not violated any regulations in its pursuit of the player.
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