Atlético's FIFA move against Barça: the Álvarez crisis grows

After Julián Álvarez openly said he wants to leave Atlético Madrid, a sharp response came from the club. Speaking about 24 hours after the comments, Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín voiced his unease at the player's words and, targeting Barcelona directly, announced they would file a FIFA complaint against the Catalan club.

Speaking to Spanish state agency EFE, Gil Marín said he was deeply sorry about Álvarez's comments. For the executive, it was not the right day to say them: "That was Messi's day and Argentina's day, not Julián's." Stressing that they respect the player and are proud of him, Gil Marín added: "Julián has a dream, and we Atlético people have dreams too." Noting it was true the player had spoken with the club, the executive said Álvarez knew Atlético's clear stance very well, reiterating that the club does not want to transfer his rights.

Gil Marín's most striking words were aimed at Barcelona. The CEO announced that Atlético would report Barcelona to FIFA for negotiating with a player whose contract runs within the "protected period." "Our responsibility is to defend the interests of Atlético de Madrid, and that is why we will file a complaint with FIFA," he said. The executive also argued this was not a first, recalling that Barcelona acted similarly last year with Nico Williams and Athletic Club.

In the background lies the €500 million release clause Atlético set for Álvarez. According to the Spanish press, Barcelona want the player and may have convinced him with their sporting project, but lack the financial power to pay that figure; the club could reportedly stretch to around €120 million at most, far below the asking price. The Atlético camp read Álvarez going public with his wish to leave as "media pressure" aimed at lowering the fee. With Real Madrid's €150 million bid also turned down last month, this file has become one of the summer window's increasingly bitter storylines.

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