Barcelona announced on Thursday that German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen has been temporarily stripped of the team captaincy due to an ongoing disciplinary dispute regarding his injury status.
“As a consequence of the disciplinary proceedings initiated against player Marc-André 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 club said in an official statement.
In the interim, vice-captain Ronald Araújo, the Uruguayan defender, will assume the captaincy.
According to local media reports, the dispute centres on Ter Stegen’s alleged refusal to cooperate with Barcelona’s efforts to have him classified by La Liga as a long-term injury case. Such a designation would allow the club to partially deduct his salary from their official wage bill, easing financial fair play restrictions.
With the new La Liga season approaching, Barcelona is once again facing challenges in meeting the league’s strict financial fair play regulations. Failure to comply could prevent the registration of new players.
Barcelona also plans to partially reopen the Camp Nou this month, following its costly renovation.
Ter Stegen, 33, recently opted to undergo back surgery in late July after two injury-plagued seasons. However, reports indicate he has refused to sign a required release form that would allow La Liga to access his medical records—effectively blocking the club’s attempt to officially declare him a long-term absentee.
The situation puts Ter Stegen’s position at the club under further scrutiny. He now faces competition from 24-year-old Joan García, one of the summer signings, and 35-year-old Wojciech Szczęsny, the Polish veteran who has been rewarded with a contract extension after stepping up during last season’s title-winning campaign.
As the last remaining member of Luis Enrique’s 2015 UEFA Champions League-winning squad, Ter Stegen could face serious consequences under La Liga regulations, including potential contract termination if the dispute is not resolved.
AFP
