Ter Stegen Loses Captaincy Amid Injury Dispute

Barcelona have temporarily removed Marc-André ter Stegen from the captaincy due to a dispute over his injury status and the club's attempts to comply with La Liga's Financial Fair Play regulations, especially after signing new goalkeeper Joan Garcia. The conflict centers on Ter Stegen's refusal to sign a consent form to classify him as a long-term injury, which would allow the club to reduce its wage bill and register new signings. While club management claims Ter Stegen's back surgery will keep him out for four months, he maintains his recovery will be just three months, making him ineligible for long-term injury status under league criteria. Vice-captain Ronald Araujo has taken over the captaincy during this period, with the decision made in consultation with sports management and technical staff. Former Spain goalkeeper Santiago Canizares has publicly criticized Ter Stegen's stance, while many Barcelona players reportedly support him amid the ongoing conflict. The situation underscores significant tension between the club's leadership and its squad.