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Barcelona have removed their German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen from the role of first-team captain due to a dispute over his refusal to share medical information with La Liga. The decision, announced on Thursday, stems from ongoing disciplinary proceedings against the 33-year-old player. The club stated, “Following the disciplinary proceedings opened against player Marc-André ter Stegen, and until this matter is definitively resolved, the club, by mutual agreement with the Sporting Direction and the coaching staff, has decided to temporarily withdraw his role as first-team captain.” During this period, vice-captain Ronald Araújo will assume the duties of first captain.
The conflict arose when Barcelona sought to register new goalkeeper Joan García, signed from Espanyol in June, under La Liga’s injury replacement rule. This rule allows clubs to exclude 80% of an injured player’s salary from their wage bill if the player is sidelined for at least four months, provided the player consents to share their medical report with La Liga. Ter Stegen, who underwent back surgery last month and announced a three-month recovery period on social media, refused to provide his medical details, hindering Barcelona’s plans to register García and other signings like Wojciech Szczęsny.
The move has shocked the Barcelona dressing room, with players and staff learning about the decision via social media. The club’s financial difficulties, a recurring issue, have forced them to navigate complex registration processes for years
