FC Barcelona stripped Ter Stegen of his captaincy for refusing to sign a key medical report. The conflict escalated to the legal level.

The conflict between Ter Stegen and Barça escalates to the legal stage

Marc-André ter Stegen is no longer the captain of FC Barcelona. What began as a medical disagreement following his back surgery has turned into a legal issue that could mark the beginning of the end of his time at the club.

It all started with an unsigned medical report.

The German goalkeeper underwent surgery at the end of July, and while Barça's medical staff estimated he would be out for four months, the player himself stated that his recovery would only take three.
Ter Stegen refused to sign the club's official report, arguing that the timeframes did not match his personal diagnosis. This action halted the validation of his medical leave with LaLiga, directly affecting the club's administrative procedures, such as freeing up salary space or closing registrations.

From medical to legal

The player's refusal triggered a direct reaction from the club, which opened disciplinary proceedings and immediately stripped him of the captaincy. FC Barcelona described the case as an “ongoing legal dispute” and, although the decision was presented as consensual, internal sources indicate strong tension between the board and the player.
Ronald Araújo will assume the role of captain during this period. In the official statement, the club did not rule out the possibility that the measure could be permanent.