Just in: Atletico Madrid file complaint against Barcelona with FIFA, RFEF over Julian Alvarez pursuit | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid have formally lodged a complaint with both FIFA and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) against FC Barcelona over the club’s pursuit of striker Julian Alvarez, reports Antonio Ruiz of COPE.

As per the update, Atletico allege that Barcelona have maintained improper contact with the Argentine forward despite him being under contract with the Madrid club.

Formal complaint submitted

In their filing, Atletico Madrid have asked both FIFA and the RFEF to open disciplinary proceedings against Barcelona and to impose any sanctions they deem appropriate.

The club argue that Barcelona have negotiated with a player who remains under a valid contract, an action they claim breaches the regulations governing international transfers and player negotiations.

The complaint is based on the allegation that Barcelona entered into discussions with Alvarez without Atletico’s authorisation.

Barcelona want to sign Alvarez, who also seeks the move. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Under transfer regulations, clubs are generally prohibited from negotiating directly with players who are still under contract unless they have first obtained permission from the player’s current club or the player is within the permitted period to negotiate a free transfer.

Atletico believe Barcelona’s conduct warrants an official investigation and have asked football’s governing bodies to examine the matter and determine whether disciplinary action should follow.

Atletico Madrid following through on claims

The complaint comes after Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin lashed out at Barcelona earlier this month and insisted that a complaint would be filed against the La Liga champions.

“Our responsibility is to defend the interests of Atletico Madrid, and that is why we are going to file a complaint with FIFA against Barcelona for negotiating with a player who had a valid contract during the protected period,” he had said.

Atletico Madrid do not want to sell Alvarez. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

“Barcelona is disrespecting us; they think they can walk all over us, that we’re weak or stupid.  But what they’re actually showing the world is a way of acting that defines them.”

He then went a step further by adding, “They’re lying to us, to the player, to the media, and they’re also lying to their own fans. They’re trying to make everyone believe they can take on a deal they’re actually not capable of handling.”

What next?

While Atletico Madrid may have filed a complaint against Barcelona with FIFA, the football governing body will not be act on the matter.

Both Atleti and Barça belong to the RFEF In such cases, FIFA does not have jurisdiction. The regulations clearly state that transfers between clubs from the same association are governed by the rules established by that association.

Therefore, any dispute would fall under the authority of the RFEF rather than FIFA. So, it will be up to the Spanish Federation to look into the complaint.