"The club, with the agreement of the sporting department and the coaching staff, has decided to temporarily strip Ter Stegen of the captaincy," Barca announced on the afternoon of 7/8. "During this time, the role of captain will be held by first vice-captain Ronald Araujo."

Ter Stegen arrived at Barca's training ground on the morning of 7/8 for a routine medical check-up after surgery before returning home and receiving the news that he had been stripped of the captaincy. Photo: FCB

Ter Stegen arrived at Barca's training ground on the morning of 7/8 for a routine medical check-up after surgery before returning home and receiving the news that he had been stripped of the captaincy. Photo: FCB

Barca wanted to quickly resolve the captaincy issue because, traditionally, the captain addresses the crowd before the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Como on 10/8. With the ongoing conflict, having Ter Stegen speak publicly would be counterproductive. In the coming weeks, Barca players may elect a new captain.

Ter Stegen has played for Barca since 2014 and has won 17 titles, including the 2015 Champions League and six La Liga titles. The 33-year-old goalkeeper became captain at the start of the 2024-2025 season. However, after tearing his patellar tendon in 9/2024, he missed most of the remaining season and fell out of favor. Coach Hansi Flick placed more faith in Wojciech Szczesny, the goalkeeper who helped Barca win three titles in the 2024-2025 season, and Joan Garcia, who was recently acquired from Espanyol for 30 million USD.

During the summer transfer window, Barca encouraged Ter Stegen to find a new club. This quickly led to conflict. Subsequently, the 33-year-old goalkeeper underwent back surgery without the club's approval and announced he would require long-term rest, hindering a potential transfer. He even refused to sign a medical report, a document Barca needed to submit to La Liga. Without Ter Stegen's signature, La Liga cannot assess his long-term absence and allow Barca to sign a replacement player. This could significantly impact the registration of Szczesny, Garcia, and Gerard Martin. According to regulations, if a player is sidelined for up to five months, the club can sign another player whose salary does not exceed 80% of the injured player's salary.

Due to Ter Stegen's uncooperative attitude, Barca decided to take disciplinary action, with the captaincy removal being the first consequence. Other potential penalties include a playing ban and salary deduction for 11 to 30 days, a 35% salary reduction, or contract termination.

The Joan Gamper Trophy match against Como on 10/8 is Barca's final preparation for the new season. On 16/8, they begin their La Liga title defense with an away game against Mallorca.

Thanh Quy (according to MD)