Barcelona Strip Marc-André ter Stegen of Captaincy Amid Disciplinary Dispute

Barcelona have removed Marc-André ter Stegen from the role of first-team captain amid his ongoing disciplinary dispute with the club. Vice-captain Ronald Araújo will instead assume the armband for the time being.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona announced the decision to remove ter Stegen from the captaincy on Friday, shortly after opening disciplinary proceedings against the World Cup-winning goalkeeper.

The club said that the German will “temporarily step down” from the role while the issue is ongoing, before being reinstated “once the process is satisfactorily resolved”. Ter Stegen’s refusal to allow the release of his medical records to La Liga is at the centre of the row.

Ter Stegen underwent back surgery back in March, leaving him on the sidelines ever since. However, Barca are yet to have him declared a long-term injury absentee by La Liga, with the letter of authorisation required from the goalkeeper remaining unsigned.

If ter Stegen’s status is confirmed, Barca will meet financial fair play regulations, as they can spread his wages across the period of absence. But ter Stegen stood firm as the club attempted to push him into compliance, with the situation eventually leading to him being stripped of the captaincy.

BIG PICTURE

Ter Stegen’s future at Barca is already unclear, with Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny both posing a threat to his number one spot in Hansi Flick’s lineup. Szczesny was at his best once again last season, and if it comes to that, Barça has enough depth in the team to release Ter Stegen.

Despite off-field tensions, ter Stegen has previously stated that he wants to remain at Camp Nou in the long term. However, it is difficult to see the club offering him a new deal, particularly since rumors about a move to Inter Milan have been debunked. The 32-year-old’s current contract is due to expire in 2026, meaning he will have to win back his starting place sooner rather than later.

WHAT NEXT?

Barca play the next game of their La Liga campaign against Mallorca. It is unclear whether ter Stegen will see any game time, though, as Hansi Flick is more likely to prepare Szczesny to take on most of the team’s duties this season.