FC Barcelona has officially removed Marc-André ter Stegen from his position as team captain as tensions escalate between the club and the German goalkeeper over his injury status and cooperation with La Liga’s financial protocols.
In a statement released on Thursday, the club announced that disciplinary action had been taken against the 33-year-old shot-stopper, resulting in his temporary removal from the captain’s role. The move follows Ter Stegen’s refusal to comply with procedures that would classify him as a long-term injury absentee, a designation that would help the club reduce its wage bill under La Liga’s stringent financial fair play rules.
“As a consequence of the disciplinary proceedings initiated against player Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and until such proceedings are definitively resolved, the club… has decided to temporarily remove him as captain of the first football team,” the statement read.
Barcelona further confirmed that vice-captain Ronald Araújo, the Uruguayan centre-back, will assume captaincy duties in the interim.
The rift reportedly stems from Ter Stegen’s decision to undergo back surgery in late July, following two seasons of persistent injury struggles. Although the club had hoped to register him as a long-term absentee with La Liga to gain salary cap relief, the German goalkeeper has refused to sign the mandatory release allowing his medical records to be submitted for approval.
This impasse comes at a critical moment for Barcelona, who continue to grapple with financial limitations that have affected their ability to register new signings ahead of the upcoming season. Without the relief provided by Ter Stegen’s long-term injury designation, the club risks falling short of compliance with La Liga’s regulations.
Local media sources suggest that Ter Stegen’s resistance to the process may be motivated by concerns over how such a status might affect his future earnings, career trajectory, or even contract validity.
Barcelona’s frustrations are compounded by the approaching partial reopening of the Camp Nou, which is undergoing a costly renovation. With commercial and sporting pressures mounting, the club had viewed Ter Stegen’s temporary absence as an opportunity to reduce its bloated wage structure—but his lack of cooperation has thrown a wrench into those plans.
The goalkeeper now finds himself facing serious consequences. Under La Liga rules, a player who refuses to comply with league-mandated procedures could be subject to penalties, including potential contract termination. This would mark a stunning turn for a player who has been a pillar at the club since 2014 and remains the last active member of the 2015 UEFA Champions League-winning squad managed by Luis Enrique.
In his absence, Barcelona has turned to two alternatives: 24-year-old Joan Garcia, a summer signing, and veteran Polish keeper Wojciech Szczęsny, 35, who has reportedly secured a contract extension following strong performances during last season’s title-winning campaign.
With Barcelona’s season opener looming and their financial position under tight scrutiny, the fallout between Ter Stegen and the club appears far from resolved.
What you should know
Barcelona has removed long-serving goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen from his captaincy duties amid a dispute over his refusal to be registered as a long-term injury absentee.
The decision highlights growing financial and internal pressures at the club as it races to comply with La Liga’s wage regulations ahead of the new season.
