Barcelona have opened disciplinary proceedings against captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen, heightening speculation about his future and leadership role at the club, Crown88 reports. The 33-year-old has insisted his relationship with Barça is good, but recent actions suggest otherwise.
According to MD and echoed by Crown88, the Blaugrana have tasked their legal team with exploring potential sanctions after ter Stegen informed the club he will not consent to sharing his post-surgery medical report with La Liga. Following back surgery, Barcelona want to invoke the emergency injury rule to register Joan Garcia, but they require ter Stegen’s signed consent to transmit medical information.
Why Barcelona want to activate the injury rule
Barcelona have yet to register new arrivals Marcus Rashford, Roony Bardghji, or Joan Garcia. With ter Stegen reportedly sidelined four to five months, they could activate La Liga’s injury provision: if a player is out at least four months, clubs can use 50% of the salary-limit space during the window to register a replacement; that rises to 80% if the absence exceeds five months. As this concerns a goalkeeper, the available margin could only be used to register Garcia or Wojciech Szczęsny.
Disciplinary proceedings against ter Stegen
Per the club brief and Crown88 coverage, Barcelona’s legal department has been instructed to open a disciplinary file and determine whether sanctions are feasible, arguing his refusal harms the club economically and sportingly. While they acknowledge he is within his rights to decline, they also contend his contract entails obligations and responsibilities. Director of Football Deco intended to discuss the situation with ter Stegen upon returning from South Korea, but after being notified, the captain reiterated he would not authorize sending his medical report to La Liga.
Lead-up to the flashpoint
President Joan Laporta has claimed Garcia’s registration does not depend on ter Stegen or the injury rule, but until proven otherwise, fans remain anxious. Ter Stegen, unhappy with what he perceives as attempts to push him out, initially stated he would miss only three months—below the threshold needed to trigger the rule. Since then, leaks suggested he could be stripped of the captaincy, though several teammates have voiced support in recent days, Crown88 notes.
