Ter Stegen temporarily stripped of Barcelona captaincy
Barcelona has temporarily stripped Marc-Andre ter Stegen of the club's captaincy after disciplinary proceedings against the Germany international.
Ter Stegen last played a match while on international duty with Germany, playing the duration of its Nations League third-place play-off defeat to France.
The 33 year-old missed much of the 2024-2025 campaign for Hansi Flick's side after rupturing his patellar tendon in a LaLiga clash with Villarreal back in September.
Reports have emerged that Barcelona's decision has come after Ter Stegen's unwillingness to share his medical data with La Liga, which could allow the Blaugrana to register new players ahead of the new campaign.
Barcelona could have at least 50 percent of Ter Stegen's salary freed up for registration purposes under LaLiga's injury provision, a rule that applies if a player is sidelined for at least four months, which is considered a long-term injury.
However, Ter Stegen announced on social media that he would be out of action for three months, prompting the LaLiga champion to consider legal action against the player.
Barcelona's summer signings have included the arrival of keeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol and England striker Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United.
"Barcelona hereby announces that, following the disciplinary proceedings opened against player Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and until this matter is definitively resolved, the club, by mutual agreement with the sporting director and the coaching staff, has decided to temporarily withdraw his role as first-team captain," a Barcelona statement read.
The club confirmed that defender Ronald Araujo would wear the armband during Ter Stegen's absence.
If Ter Stegen's recovery time is more than four months, Barcelona could release him from his contract.
The shot-stopper has made 431 appearances in all competitions since his switch from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014, keeping 177 clean sheets in those matches.
