Atletico Madrid’s CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has strongly criticised Barcelona, accusing the Catalan club of showing “lies and disrespect” in their attempts to sign Julian Alvarez. The Rojiblancos executive also confirmed that Atletico is ready to take legal steps after the Argentine striker’s public remarks about his future caused a stir.

Atletico to lodge FIFA complaint over alleged illegal approach

The relationship between the two Spanish football powerhouses has deteriorated further, with Atletico Madrid set to formally report Barcelona to FIFA. The club from the Spanish capital is furious over what it sees as an unlawful pursuit of their forward, who joined from Manchester City in the summer of 2024 on a contract valid until 2030. The transfer was worth approximately £81.8 million, marking a record sale for City. As Alvarez remains tied to a long-term deal at the Metropolitano Stadium, Atletico is determined to act formally on the issue.

In an interview with EFE, Gil Marin explained the club’s stance: “Our duty is to protect the interests of Atletico Madrid, and that is why we will be filing a complaint with FIFA against Barcelona for negotiating with a player who has a valid contract during the protected period.”

Gil Marin criticises Alvarez for poorly timed remarks

Atletico’s frustration is not directed solely at Barcelona; Alvarez himself has faced internal criticism for his recent public statements. While on international duty following Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria at the World Cup on Monday, the striker told ESPN: “I don’t think this is the right moment to talk, but I also don’t want to hide. I try to be an honest person. I spoke with the people at [Atlético] who I needed to speak with. I think the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream.” His open admission that he would welcome a move has angered the Atletico leadership.

“I deeply regret his comments. It wasn’t the right day to make those statements — it was Messi’s day and the Argentine national team’s day, not Julian’s,” Gil Marin commented. Despite the player’s desire to move on, the CEO reaffirmed Atletico’s position: “Julian has a dream, and we at Atletico have our own dreams too. It’s true that he has spoken to us, but he also knows our stance very well because we have been clear from the start. Atletico does not intend to transfer his rights. He’s an exceptional player, and we are proud to have him represent our club.”

Claims of dishonesty and financial misrepresentation

Gil Marin further condemned Barcelona’s behaviour, questioning their financial capacity to complete the proposed transfer and accusing them of misleading the public. Alvarez’s outstanding 2025-26 season — in which he scored 20 goals and contributed nine assists — included decisive performances that knocked Barcelona out of both the Champions League quarter-finals and the Copa del Rey semi-finals.

“Barcelona is showing us disrespect; they think they can step on us as if we’re weak or foolish,” Gil Marin said. “But what they are really revealing is their own way of doing things. They’re deceiving us, the player, the media, and even their own supporters. They’re trying to make everyone believe they can afford a deal they simply can’t manage.”

A repeated pattern of conduct

This is not the first instance of Atletico Madrid or other La Liga clubs clashing with Barcelona over transfer dealings. Gil Marin highlighted previous incidents as evidence of a recurring issue in the club’s approach to negotiations.

“This isn’t the first time Barcelona has behaved like this, and the football world knows it well. Last year, they did something very similar with Nico Williams and Athletic Club,” he concluded.