Atlético de Madrid to Report Barcelona to FIFA Over Julián Álvarez Transfer Saga

Atlético de Madrid is preparing to file a complaint with FIFA against Barcelona, accusing the Catalan club of improperly negotiating with their player Julián Álvarez. The controversy erupted after Álvarez publicly stated that a transfer would be "best for everyone" following Argentina's victory over Austria. Atlético's management believes this statement is a tactic to pressure them into accepting a transfer fee below his €500 million release clause.

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I deeply regret Julián's words. It was not the day to make such statements. It was Messi's and Argentina's day, not his.

Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, CEO of Atlético de Madrid, expressed his disappointment with Álvarez's comments, telling the Spanish agency EFE, "I deeply regret Julián's words. It was not the day to make such statements. It was Messi's and Argentina's day, not his." He emphasized that Álvarez is aware of Atlético's firm stance: "The club does not want to transfer his rights. He is a great player, and we are very proud that he plays for us." Álvarez's contract with Atlético runs until June 30, 2030.

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The club does not want to transfer his rights. He is a great player, and we are very proud that he plays for us.

Gil Marín directed strong criticism towards Barcelona, stating, "Barcelona is disrespecting us. They think they can ignore us, that we are weak or stupid." He accused the club of lying to the player, media, and their own fans, attempting to orchestrate a deal they cannot afford. Barcelona is reportedly interested in Álvarez but is unwilling or unable to meet his substantial release clause, with reports suggesting they could only offer around €120 million.

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Barcelona is disrespecting us. They think they can ignore us, that we are weak or stupid.

This alleged behavior by Barcelona is not unprecedented, according to Gil Marín. He recalled a similar situation last year involving Nico Williams and Athletic Club. Atlético de Madrid intends to use these actions as grounds for their complaint to FIFA, asserting their responsibility to protect their player and their contractual rights.

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They think they can ignore us, that we are weak or stupid. But what they are really showing the world is a way of acting that defines them. They lie to us, they lie to the player, to the media, and they also lie to their own fans.