Barça's comeback finds the team back in action.
In a swift resolution to the dispute that had been ongoing for weeks, FC Barcelona and their star goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen, have reached an agreement. The Spanish champions have dropped their disciplinary proceedings against ter Stegen, and he has been reinstated as the club captain with immediate effect.
The conflict arose when ter Stegen, who had recently undergone back surgery, initially refused to sign the consent form allowing his medical data to be shared with LaLiga. Barcelona was considering legal action since the injury provision in the player's contract would have allowed them to free at least 50% of his salary for registering other players if he was out for four months or more. However, ter Stegen expected to return within three months, which affected the implications of this provision.
In an extensive Instagram statement, ter Stegen expressed his feelings of misunderstanding and stated that some things said about him were completely unfounded. He clarified his position, explaining his version of events clearly but respectfully. Just hours before the announcement of the resolution, ter Stegen made his first public statement, expressing a deep affection for FC Barcelona, the city, and the fans.
The solution to the dispute came when ter Stegen agreed to authorize the transfer of his medical report to LaLiga. This move paved the way for the end of the controversy. Barcelona can now register another player using 80 percent of ter Stegen's salary, according to the financial fair play rules applicable in Spain. The player they are likely to register is Joan García, whom they signed as their new number one from Espanyol Barcelona in the summer for around 25 million euros.
This development marks a significant turnaround in the relationship between ter Stegen and FC Barcelona. Ter Stegen, who has been a crucial part of the team since joining in 2014, had his number and captaincy stripped amid the dispute. The restoration of his captaincy signifies the end of this controversy and a hopeful future for both parties.
Ter Stegen, having agreed to authorize the transfer of his medical report to LaLiga, is now eligible to play in Spanish European leagues, such as Laliga. The reinstatement of Ter Stegen as FC Barcelona's captain indicates a smoother future in his relationship with the club, reviving his sports career in the heart of European football.
