Barcelona formally notified over Julian Alvarez tapping-up case as club prepare detailed response

Barcelona have entered a formal dispute process with Atletico Madrid over their pursuit of Julian Alvarez after receiving official notification of the complaint from both the Spanish Football Federation and FIFA.

The communication, reported by Spanish newspaper Marca, marks the start of the procedural phase in which Barcelona must submit their defence and written arguments before the relevant disciplinary bodies study the case and issue a ruling.

Atletico Madrid lodged an official complaint on 30 June, accusing Barcelona of making illegal approaches to Alvarez during a period in which contact was not permitted under player transfer regulations.

Alvarez, a 26-year-old Argentina forward, is under contract at Atletico until the summer of 2030. The club’s chief executive, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, had already signalled that Atletico would turn to the authorities to “defend their rights”, a stance that was later formalised through the complaint to the Spanish FA and FIFA.

Transfer target at centre of legal dispute

Despite the ongoing legal battle, Alvarez remains Barcelona’s leading target to strengthen their attack in the current summer transfer window.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta revealed on 13 July that Atletico Madrid had already received a formal bid from the Catalan club for Alvarez. However, Atletico’s hierarchy refused to enter into any negotiations over his departure, turning the chase for the forward into one of the most complex transfer sagas of this window.

Reports in Spain have indicated that Alvarez expressed a desire during the World Cup to seek a new challenge away from the Metropolitano Stadium. Even so, Atletico have maintained a firm stance and continue to resist any attempt to prise him away from the club.

Key date for Alvarez and Atletico

Attention is now focused on 10 August, the date set for Alvarez to report back for pre-season training with Atletico Madrid ahead of the new campaign.

His return is expected to provide a clearer indication of his intentions regarding his future, particularly given Barcelona’s continued interest and the backdrop of the formal complaint.

While pressing ahead with their case, Atletico are determined to keep hold of a player tied to a long-term deal, while Barcelona must now balance their pursuit of Alvarez with the need to respond thoroughly to the allegations of improper conduct.

Barcelona explore alternatives amid uncertainty

At the same time, Barcelona are keen not to allow the situation to drag on indefinitely.

The club are working in parallel on other attacking options in the market, conscious that the move for Alvarez could be delayed or even collapse entirely if the legal and sporting processes – or Atletico’s refusal to negotiate – block any agreement.

For now, the outcome hinges on two fronts: the decisions to be taken by the Spanish Football Federation and FIFA following Atletico’s complaint, and the stance Alvarez himself will adopt when he re-joins his team-mates at Atletico later in the summer.