Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed intense anger over goalkeeper Marc‑Andre ter Stegen, accusing the club captain of acting in “bad faith.”
Captain vs. President: Laporta’s Fury Mounts Over Ter Stegen’s Obstruction
The conflict centers on the German’s refusal to sign a key medical report following recent back surgery.
That refusal blocked Barcelona from using 80 % of his salary to register new summer signings under La Liga’s strict financial‑fair‑play rules.
Ter Stegen had announced via social media that he expects to recover in three months.
Barcelona, however, needed to document a four‑month layoff to submit the paperwork allowing them to free up wage space. Without his consent, La Liga’s medical committee will not accept the report.
The stalemate has sparked serious action: Barcelona has opened a disciplinary file against Ter Stegen and is exploring possible sanctions, including fines or a short suspension without pay.
The board suspects breach of contract or indiscipline and Laporta is refusing to hold direct talks with him unless he reaches out via formal channels.
Laporta had earlier described Ter Stegen’s potential absence as “the most direct path” to register goalkeeper Joan Garcia and even confirmed reliance on Ter Stegen’s long‑term injury status for wage relief.
The president now feels betrayed, citing frustration that the club cannot proceed with its transfer strategy because of Ter Stegen’s stance.
Within the squad, teammates reportedly continue to support the goalkeeper, and a locker‑room vote is set to determine whether he retains the captaincy before the season begins.
As Barcelona finalizes its squad following their Asia tour, the standoff with Ter Stegen has brought internal tensions into the spotlight and cast doubt on the future role of one of the club’s long‑standing figures.
