Report – The extreme legal route Julian Alvarez can use to force Atletico exit and secure Barcelona move | OneFootball

Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez has transcended sporting dimensions and moved into a more complex legal space, with one extreme scenario now being discussed as a possibility.

According to Mundo Deportivo, FIFA would not have authority over a possible conflict between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid because it would involve two Spanish clubs operating inside the Spanish legal framework.

That matters because Atletico have reportedly considered taking the matter to FIFA over their belief that Barça pushed the player towards this situation.

However, if the issue is strictly between Spanish clubs, the path would likely run through the RFEF and Spanish courts, not world football’s governing body.

The example being recalled is Antoine Griezmann in 2019. FIFA did not intervene then either, and the case was handled through the Spanish federation, with Barcelona eventually receiving a financial sanction after Atletico proved previous contacts.

The legal route is risky

Julian Alvarez wants Barcelona. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)

The relevant framework is Real Decreto 1006/1985, which regulates the special employment relationship of professional athletes in Spain.

Article 16 covers the termination of a contract by the athlete and says the club can be entitled to compensation, which can be set by labour courts if there is no agreed amount.

The same article also says a new club can be subsidiarily responsible if the athlete signs elsewhere within one year.

In normal terms, Alvarez would need his €500 million release clause paid to leave Atletico cleanly.

The player is technically the one who must pay the clause under the Spanish model, even if clubs usually structure these operations behind the scenes.

The extreme scenario on the table is different, though. Alvarez could theoretically terminate his contract unilaterally, sign for Barcelona and leave the compensation to be determined later by Spanish courts.

Where will Julian play next season? (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

This compensation, in this case, would have to be paid by the Catalan club should Alvarez join them within a year.

Barça must be very, very careful

From a Barcelona perspective, this is fascinating but dangerous. The idea might open a legal door, but walking through it would create huge tension with Atletico and major financial uncertainty.

The RFEF would have to process the player’s registration to protect his right to work, while the compensation question would remain open.

That said, Barça would not be escaping the cost. They could still be held responsible for the amount later.

That is why this should be seen as a last-resort scenario, not a transfer plan. Barcelona’s ideal route must remain negotiation, even if Atletico are currently adamant about not selling to them.

If Alvarez is determined to join Barcelona, pressure will keep building. Still, Barça must avoid turning this into a legal situation, and this should not be a scenario that they consider. It remains to be seen how things play out.