FC Barcelona has initiated disciplinary proceedings against veteran goalkeeper Marc‑André ter Stegen after he refused to sign a medical report concerning his recent back surgery, according to an anonymous source familiar with the matter.

The club required the signed report to submit to the Spanish league in order to secure salary-cap relief and facilitate registration of new players without breaching financial fair play regulations.

Ter Stegen and Barcelona are reportedly at odds over the expected duration of his recovery. The goalkeeper had estimated a three-month convalescence following surgery last week to address recurring lower back problems. Barcelona confirmed the procedure was “successful” but added that the timing of his return would depend on his recovery process.

Barcelona’s goalkeeper Ter Stegen faces 3-month layoff after back surgery

Depending on how long Ter Stegen remains sidelined, the club could remove a portion of his salary from its cap, potentially creating space to bring in new talent. Indeed, Barcelona has already signed Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García in June, joining veteran Wojciech Szczęsny and Iñaki Peña as options in goal.

The signed medical report must be reviewed and approved by the league before a formal recovery timetable is official. Ter Stegen, who serves as one of Barcelona’s team captains, has not yet commented publicly on the disciplinary action. He and club officials were expected to meet soon to resolve the issue.

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The 33‑year‑old missed most of last season due to a knee tendon rupture and overcame back surgery in 2023. Peña and 35‑year‑old Szczęsny served as starters during those periods.

Barcelona returned to Spain on Tuesday after completing its preseason tour in Asia. It remains unclear what type of penalty, if any, Ter Stegen may face for refusing to sign the document.

Source: Agency