Ter Stegen responds to Barcelona disciplinary proceedings

Barcelona goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, has responded to disciplinary proceedings initiated by the club that could lead to the termination of his contract. The 33-year-old German international took to social media on Friday to defend himself following the club’s decision to strip him of the captaincy on Thursday. The dispute centres on the goalkeeper’s fitness after he underwent back surgery at the end of July, with Barcelona reportedly seeking to classify him as a long-term injury to alleviate their financial constraints.

The Catalan giants began disciplinary action against their long-serving goalkeeper on Tuesday, culminating in the removal of his captaincy two days later. Spanish media reports suggest Barcelona attempted to have Ter Stegen classified by La Liga as a long-term injury, which would allow the club to deduct part of his substantial wages from their official wage bill. The goalkeeper allegedly refused to cooperate by releasing his full medical details, prompting the club’s disciplinary response.

“In recent weeks, many things have been said about me – some of them entirely unfounded,” Ter Stegen wrote on Instagram. “Therefore, I feel it is necessary to express my version of events respectfully, yet clearly.” The goalkeeper maintained his willingness to collaborate with the club’s management, stating: “I am fully willing to collaborate with the club’s management to resolve this matter and to provide the requested authorisation.” He also clarified that all club signings and contract renewals occurred prior to his surgery, which had received full approval from Barcelona.

With the new La Liga season approaching, Barcelona continues to struggle with Spanish financial fair play regulations, potentially limiting their ability to register new players. Ter Stegen emphasised that his surgery should not interfere with “the registration of other colleagues whom I greatly respect and look forward to share locker room with for many seasons,” concluding with: “My commitment to these colors remains absolute.”

The disciplinary proceedings place Ter Stegen’s future at the club in jeopardy, with LaLiga regulations permitting heavy penalties including contract termination. The German goalkeeper, who remains the last player from Luis Enrique’s 2015 European champion team, faces increased competition for his position following Barcelona’s summer signing of 24-year-old Joan Garcia and the contract extension awarded to 35-year-old Polish veteran Wojciech Szczesny, who performed admirably during last season’s Liga title-winning campaign..