Barcelona Strips Marc-Andre ter Stegen of Captaincy Amid Disciplinary Proceedings
Barcelona has removed goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen from his position as club captain following disciplinary proceedings involving the German international.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper last played for his national team in June and underwent back surgery at the end of July.
Reports indicate that the issue between Ter Stegen and Barcelona stems from his refusal to permit the club to share his medical information with La Liga, which is crucial for registering new players based on his expected duration of absence.
Recently, Ter Stegen took to social media to announce that he would be sidelined for three months. However, La Liga regulations state that a player must be unavailable for at least four months to be classified as a long-term absentee.
This summer, Barcelona has strengthened its squad with the addition of goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol and England striker Marcus Rashford, who has joined on loan from Manchester United.
The club stated, "Following the disciplinary proceedings initiated against Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and until this situation is conclusively resolved, the club, in agreement with the sporting management and coaching staff, has decided to temporarily withdraw his role as first-team captain. During this period, the responsibilities of first captain will be undertaken by the current vice-captain, Ronald Araujo."
Since joining Barcelona from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014, Ter Stegen has made over 400 appearances for the club and has won numerous titles, including the Champions League and six La Liga championships.