Tensions escalated as Atletico officially filed complaints with FIFA and the Spanish Football Federation RFEF) against Barcelona for improperly pursuing Alvarez during a protected contract period - a legal move confirmed by Atletico CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín. In response, Laporta questioned the necessity of such aggressive tactics given the clubs' history.
"It won't be the first time we've done a deal, and they've always been done, except for a few contentious ones, by agreement and without problems," the president added. "This one is more sensitive, perhaps. We're making a significant effort, and it's a proposal we'll maintain until we reconsider. Atletico are being completely inflexible, and I hope they'll change their minds and accept. If they don't, they should say so, and we'll see. But taking it to UEFA, FIFA... I don't know what the point is. Maybe there are people looking to stir things up... it doesn't make sense."