FC Barcelona have temporarily stripped goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen of the club captaincy amid an escalating internal dispute over the disclosure of medical records.
The German international, currently sidelined with a back injury, is at the center of a disciplinary standoff after allegedly refusing to allow the club to share details of his recovery with La Liga authorities. According to club sources, this has complicated Barcelona’s ability to meet player registration requirements, which demand transparency over medical statuses for salary cap compliance.
In response, vice-captain Ronald Araújo has been appointed to wear the armband on an interim basis while the issue remains unresolved.
Ter Stegen, 33, has been a key figure at Barcelona since joining in 2014 and was named club captain following the departure of Sergi Busquets. His leadership and performances have made him a fan favorite, but this latest controversy casts a shadow over his future at the club.
No timeline has been given for his return to action, or for a resolution to the current dispute.
Under La Liga’s financial fair play rules, clubs must submit detailed player medical updates to justify squad registration decisions, especially when seeking salary exemptions or last-minute additions. Ter Stegen’s reported refusal to disclose information is understood to have blocked a potential backup goalkeeper signing.
Ter Stegen Stripped of Barcelona Captaincy Amid Medical Data Dispute
