Barcelona have temporarily removed Marc-André ter Stegen as captain following a dispute over his injury status. The German goalkeeper, 33, underwent further surgery on a knee ligament tear sustained last season, preventing a summer move that would have freed up wages for new signings.
The club asked Ter Stegen to sign a long-term medical leave to clear 80% of his wages under La Liga's financial fair play rules. However, his announcement of a three-month recovery conflicted with league rules requiring a minimum four-month absence for long-term injury classification.
Barcelona's statement said: 'Following the disciplinary proceedings opened against player Marc-André ter Stegen, and until this matter is definitively resolved, the club has decided to temporarily remove him as captain.' Vice-captain Ronald Araújo will assume captaincy duties.
The controversy underscores Barcelona's ongoing financial struggles, which have hampered player registrations for several seasons. The club recently signed goalkeeper Joan García from Espanyol and loanee Marcus Rashford from Manchester United, relying on Ter Stegen's departure to balance the wage bill.
Barcelona begin their La Liga title defence on 16 August at Mallorca.
