RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesBarcelona can take confidence from Griezmann precedent in Atletico Madrid dispute over Julian Alvarez
Barcelona have received official notification of Atletico Madrid’s complaint over the club’s alleged approach for Julian Alvarez.
The transfer saga between the two Spanish clubs and the Argentine striker is getting uglier with every passing day.
Now, Barça have a complaint to address, but history suggests the case may not have major consequences.
According to Mundo Deportivo , both FIFA and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have informed Barcelona of Atletico’s complaint, which alleges the Catalans negotiated with Alvarez without first obtaining permission from the club while he remains under contract until 2030.
Griezmann case offers a clear precedent
This case is remarkably similar to another one involving the same two clubs in 2019, when Atletico accused Barcelona of negotiating with Antoine Griezmann before formally notifying them.
Barcelona signed Griezmann from Atletico in 2019. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
FIFA ultimately declined to intervene because the dispute involved two clubs from the same national association.
Under FIFA regulations, those cases fall under the jurisdiction of the relevant domestic federation.
The matter was therefore handled by the RFEF rather than world football’s governing body.
Barcelona received only a small fine
The previous case ended with limited consequences for Barcelona.
The RFEF concluded there was insufficient evidence to prove Griezmann had signed a contract while still under contract with Atletico.
However, it did determine that Barcelona had opened and maintained negotiations without first notifying Atletico in writing.
As a result, Barcelona were fined €300, a far lighter punishment than the initial recommendation, which had included the possibility of a one-match closure of Camp Nou.
The disciplinary committee also took into account that Griezmann had already informed Atletico of his intention to leave before those discussions began.
History repeating itself?
That earlier ruling does not guarantee the same outcome this time, as every disciplinary case is judged on its own facts and evidence.
Alvarez wants to join Barcelona. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
However, it does provide Barcelona with a recent example showing that disputes of this nature are dealt with domestically rather than by FIFA.
The sanctions have also been limited based on past precedent. More importantly, on the previous occasion, Griezmann was a Barça player by that point.
Barcelona will now have the opportunity to submit their response to the complaint. Until the RFEF reviews the evidence presented by both clubs, the outcome remains uncertain.
Ultimately, if all this leads to Alvarez wearing the Blaugrana in the upcoming season, the club would be happy to accept a slap on the wrist.
Nothing from Atletico so far suggests they would be willing to do that, and this seems to be a transfer that is unlikely to happen this summer.
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