Barcelona Football Club Announces Disciplinary Actions and Penalties for Its Prominent Player
FC Barcelona Strips Marc-André ter Stegen of Captaincy Role
FC Barcelona has temporarily removed Marc-André ter Stegen as the captain of the football first team due to disciplinary proceedings initiated by the club, according to multiple reports [1][2][4]. The club has also withdrawn his jersey number from La Liga's roster for the 2025-26 season, highlighting the ongoing nature of the dispute.
Ronald Araújo will step in as the acting captain during this period. Araujo may also give a speech to FC Barcelona's fans during the proceedings of the Joan Gamper Trophy match, which will take place against Cesc Fabregas and Sergi Roberto's Como [1].
The disciplinary proceedings against ter Stegen are primarily internal and contractual, but they reflect the broader financial constraints and pressures FC Barcelona faces. The club continues to manage its squad under Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, which impact new signings, wages, and contract renewals [1].
The publicized dispute and temporary removal of a key player and captain like ter Stegen could have indirect implications. Leadership uncertainty might affect on-field performance early in the season, exacerbating the challenge of competing under FFP restrictions that limit squad strengthening.
Barca's firm stand on disciplinary and contract compliance signals a strict approach to managing payroll within FFP limits. This could impact contract negotiations and wage structure, as well as the transfer market and squad registration. Stripping ter Stegen of his number suggests difficulties in registering him for the season, possibly due to ongoing contract issues and wage cap concerns governed by La Liga’s FFP enforcement [3][4].
FC Barcelona has launched disciplinary proceedings against ter Stegen and has cleared up the matter with him before the Joan Gamper Trophy match. If ter Stegen is benched, Frenkie de Jong or Pedri could potentially assume the captaincy on the field. Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez could potentially replace Araujo on the back line.
Ter Stegen has fallen to a back injury that is expected to keep him out for at least four months. This injury coincidentally provides FC Barcelona with the necessary time for Ter Stegen to be sidelined to register new signings such as Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford. Ter Stegen announced his three-month injury absence via social media.
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4]
- Hansi Flick, the coach of Joan Gamper's team, Como, might be intrigued by the ongoing dispute between FC Barcelona and their goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen, as it could potentially affect his players, Cesc Fabregas and Sergi Roberto, during their upcoming football match against FC Barcelona.
- In the wake of Marc-André ter Stegen's temporary removal as captain, and amid his injury absence, FC Barcelona might consider Inaki Pena or Joan Garcia as replacement options for their first team, despite the financial pressures and Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints that the club is managing.
