Ter Stegen absent as Barça captain due to disciplinary reasons

Barcelona have been rocked by internal tensions surrounding one of their most important players.

A few weeks ago, veteran goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen publicly announced that he would undergo back surgery to resolve a lingering issue. At the time, the German international estimated that his recovery period would take approximately three months. However, behind the scenes, Barcelona’s medical and administrative staff had a different view.

According to sources close to the club, Barcelona are insisting on registering Ter Stegen’s absence as lasting four months instead of three. While this might seem like a minor difference on the surface, the implications are significant. By extending the official recovery period beyond the three-month threshold, Barcelona would be able to classify Ter Stegen as a “long-term injury” within the framework of La Liga’s financial regulations.

This designation would allow the club to exclude up to 80% of the player’s salary from their declared wage bill, thereby easing pressure on the salary cap imposed by La Liga. In practical terms, this financial maneuver would give the Catalan giants more flexibility in the transfer market opening the door to registering new signings or reinforcing the squad during the crucial first half of the season. Given the club’s well-documented struggles to comply with Financial Fair Play rules, especially after Lionel Messi’s departure and the ongoing wage restructuring, every bit of flexibility counts.

However, Ter Stegen has reportedly taken issue with this approach. According to multiple Spanish media outlets, the 33-year-old shot-stopper has refused to sign the documentation that would authorize the club to proceed with the four-month classification. His stance is believed to stem from a combination of personal integrity not wanting to exaggerate the extent of his injury and a desire to return to action as soon as he is medically cleared, rather than being artificially sidelined for bureaucratic or financial reasons.

This refusal has not gone down well with the Barcelona hierarchy. While no official sanctions have been announced beyond a vague reference to “disciplinary reasons,” it has now become clear that the club has decided to temporarily strip Ter Stegen of the captain’s armband as a consequence of his resistance. The move is seen by many as a message from the boardroom: a reminder that collective interests and financial strategy take precedence over individual preferences, even when it comes to senior figures within the squad.

Barcelona’s official statement was brief and somewhat opaque, merely citing disciplinary grounds for the temporary captaincy change. However, insiders suggest the timing and nature of the decision leave little doubt as to the real cause the stand-off over the injury declaration form.

In the meantime, Uruguayan centre-back Ronald Araújo has been handed the armband. Known for his leadership qualities and combative spirit on the pitch, Araújo is highly respected within the squad and seen as a natural candidate to take on greater responsibility. His appointment may also signal a generational shift within the locker room, as younger players begin to take on more central roles amid the departures or sidelining of longer-serving veterans.

Also in the leadership group is Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The Oranje international, who has consistently demonstrated his importance in midfield since arriving from Ajax, wore the captain's armband on multiple occasions last season, particularly when other senior players were unavailable. His inclusion among the team’s captains reflects both his on-pitch influence and his off-pitch professionalism.

As the 2025–26 season approaches, Barcelona find themselves facing not just sporting and financial challenges, but also internal dynamics that could affect the morale and unity of the squad. While Ter Stegen is still expected to play a key role once he returns to full fitness, the current episode could leave a lasting mark on his relationship with the club's leadership. Whether the situation is resolved amicably or evolves into a longer-term rift remains to be seen.

For now, fans will be watching closely not only for updates on Ter Stegen’s recovery but also for signs of how this disciplinary issue affects the atmosphere inside the dressing room, the role of player power, and the continuing tug-of-war between sporting ambition and financial survival at one of football’s most iconic clubs.