Barcelona have temporarily stripped Marc-André ter Stegen of the captaincy following a dispute over the Germany goalkeeper's injury status, the club confirmed on Thursday. The decision comes as the La Liga champions struggle to register new signings within financial fair play limits.
The club signed goalkeeper Joan García from city rivals Espanyol last month, with plans to sell the 33-year-old Ter Stegen to free up wages for García and Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford. However, Ter Stegen required further surgery on a multiple knee ligament tear suffered last season, preventing a summer exit.
Barcelona asked Ter Stegen to sign a long-term medical leave arrangement that would allow them to clear 80 per cent of his wages until mid-season. But Ter Stegen's public announcement that he would be sidelined for three months irritated the club, as La Liga rules require a player to be out for at least four months to qualify as a long-term injury.
In a statement, Barcelona said disciplinary proceedings had been opened against Ter Stegen and, until the matter is resolved, he would be removed as captain. Vice-captain Ronald Araújo will assume the role in the interim.
The controversy underscores Barcelona's ongoing financial difficulties, which have forced them to navigate strict spending rules in recent transfer windows. The club begin their title defence at Mallorca on 16 August.
