Barcelona goalkeeper and team captain Marc-André ter Stegen is facing disciplinary action from the club after refusing to share his post-surgery medical report with La Liga’s medical commission. The decision prevents the club from classifying his injury as long-term, blocking them from freeing up space under La Liga’s financial fair play rules.
Ter Stegen underwent back surgery on July 29, 2025, in Bordeaux to treat recurring lumbar issues. The recovery is expected to take four to five months. Under La Liga rules, clubs can reclaim 50% of a player’s salary for a four-month injury or 80% for absences of five months or longer. That salary space can then be used to register new players.
Barcelona had hoped to use this rule to register goalkeeper Joan García and other recent signings, including Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji. However, Ter Stegen’s refusal to share his medical data—protected by privacy laws—has halted the process, keeping the new players sidelined.
The club was reportedly caught off guard by Ter Stegen’s stance. On August 5, 2025, Barcelona began disciplinary proceedings against the 33-year-old German international, arguing that his actions are harming the club’s financial and sporting plans. The club’s legal team is now reviewing whether his decision violates contractual obligations. His current deal runs until 2028.
The dispute follows earlier tension when Ter Stegen publicly stated on social media that his recovery would take only three months. This statement undercut the club’s efforts to claim long-term injury status, which requires at least four months of recovery. Some club officials have criticized him for failing to act in the team’s best interest, especially given his role as captain.
Barcelona is under heavy financial pressure and operating above La Liga’s salary limit. In 2024, the club successfully used the same injury provision to register Dani Olmo after Andreas Christensen was ruled out. If Ter Stegen returns earlier than four months, La Liga could penalize the club by reducing their salary cap by up to €28.8 million—three times the amount gained.
