Marc-André ter Stegen Faces Disciplinary Action from Barcelona Over Medical Report Dispute

Marc-André ter Stegen, FC Barcelona’s 33-year-old goalkeeper and captain, is embroiled in a conflict with the club after refusing to authorize the release of his post-surgery medical report to La Liga’s Medical Commission. The dispute, reported on August 5, 2025, by sources like Mundo Deportivo and The Associated Press, centers on a back surgery Ter Stegen underwent on July 29, 2025, in Bordeaux to address recurring lumbar issues. The club needed his consent to classify the injury as long-term (four months or more), which would allow them to use 80% of his salary to register new signings, such as Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford, under La Liga’s financial fair play (FFP) rules.

Ter Stegen, who missed most of the 2024/25 season due to a knee tendon rupture and two months in 2023 for a prior back surgery, publicly stated on social media that his recovery would take about three months, contradicting Barcelona’s estimate of four to five months. This discrepancy prevents the club from claiming the FFP relief, as a three-month absence does not meet the long-term injury threshold. Barcelona, already over La Liga’s salary cap, has been unable to register new players, including Garcia, Rashford, Roony Bardghji, and Gerard Martin, due to this standoff.

In response, Barcelona initiated disciplinary proceedings against Ter Stegen on August 5, 2025, arguing that his refusal harms the club’s financial and sporting interests. The club’s legal department is reviewing whether his actions breach contractual obligations, with potential internal sanctions pending board approval. This is unprecedented, as no Barcelona player has previously refused to share medical data in similar cases, such as when Andreas Christensen’s and Ronald Araujo’s long-term injuries enabled the registrations of Dani Olmo and Iñigo Martínez.

The tension, exacerbated by Ter Stegen’s social media post preempting the club’s announcement, has led some executives to question his suitability as captain, though manager Hansi Flick will decide on the armband via a team vote. Fans on X have expressed disappointment, with some calling his actions unbefitting a captain, while others note his teammates’ support. Barcelona is exploring alternative financial strategies to register players and plans to meet with Ter Stegen to resolve the issue, but his firm stance—“I won’t sign,” per Mundo Deportivo—complicates matters as the 2025/26 La Liga season nears.