Tensions between Marc-André ter Stegen and FC Barcelona have reportedly reached a boiling point, with the club now initiating disciplinary procedures against the German goalkeeper.
The issue stems from Ter Stegen's decision to withhold consent for sharing his medical data with La Liga. This move has effectively blocked Barcelona’s plan to take advantage of the league’s long-term injury regulations rules that would allow the club to reduce wage costs and create space for new player registrations.
Barcelona had hoped to use this provision following Ter Stegen’s back surgery, aiming to register a temporary replacement while easing the financial burden. However, the plan has hit a wall due to the keeper’s refusal to release the necessary medical documentation.
What began as an administrative hurdle is now spiraling into a broader concern, potentially affecting team dynamics and internal planning. Club officials believe Ter Stegen’s stance could undermine carefully laid out technical and financial strategies.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona had lined up Espanyol’s Joan Garcia as a temporary stand-in for Ter Stegen. The move would have allowed the club to trim the wage bill by up to 80% during a set period. But without official medical clearance approved by La Liga’s medical commission, the process can’t move forward—leaving Garcia stuck in limbo. Club sources suggest this situation could have been avoided if Ter Stegen had been more cooperative.
As a result, the matter has been handed over to Barcelona’s legal team, who are now reviewing whether disciplinary measures can be taken under existing contractual obligations.
Legally, Ter Stegen is within his rights to keep his medical information private even from league authorities. But the club argues that, given the circumstances, he has a contractual duty to facilitate certain processes when sidelined by significant injury.
Adding further complexity to the situation is the fact that other players, like Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araújo, previously agreed to share their medical information. Their cooperation enabled the club to register short-term replacements like Dani Olmo and Iñigo Martínez without complications.
Barcelona did try to resolve the matter amicably, arranging a face-to-face meeting with Ter Stegen to find common ground. However, the keeper reportedly refused to sign the required documents and made it clear he wasn’t interested in further discussions.
His firm stance has reportedly caused unrest within the club. Beyond the administrative and financial roadblocks, Barça sees this as a threat to overall team stability.
Should the legal review support disciplinary action, the club is prepared to move forward though the final call will rest with the board of directors. Potential sanctions vary widely depending on the final assessment of the breach.
This standoff marks one of the most serious tests in the long-standing relationship between Ter Stegen and the club. Without a resolution soon, it could escalate into a protracted legal battle with far-reaching consequences.
