By Martin Graham
Barcelona are reportedly considering legal action against their captain, Marc-André ter Stegen, after a dispute over access to medical records threw their season preparations into uncertainty. The goalkeeper, currently sidelined with a serious back problem, has declined to authorize the release of his health information – a decision that could have major financial implications for the club.
Ter Stegen’s refusal has sparked significant concern within the club’s hierarchy, especially as they attempt to navigate La Liga’s financial regulations ahead of the upcoming campaign. With doubts already cast over his place as the starting goalkeeper due to the summer signing of Joan García, the situation has become even more complicated since his injury during preseason.
La Liga rules and Barcelona’s registration dilemma
According to the league’s regulations, injuries that are projected to keep a player out for four months or longer can be declared “long-term,” enabling teams to allocate up to 80% of that player’s salary towards another squad member, even if they are already exceeding budgetary restrictions.
This rule would give Barcelona a path to register García in time for the first match of the new league season. As of now, Hansi Flick can only rely on the recovering Ter Stegen or Iñaki Peña, who is reportedly out of favor. Wojciech Szczęsny, although under contract, remains unregistered after his previous deal expired earlier this summer.
However, the goalkeeper added fuel to the fire by claiming on social media that his expected absence would only last three months – placing him outside the window for long-term status. Since La Liga does not take public statements into account and relies solely on official documentation provided by clubs, the situation escalated.
Legal pressure and cooling tensions
In an unprecedented move, Ter Stegen has opted not to authorize the release of his medical report, marking the first time a player in Spain’s top flight has withheld such information. While players legally control access to their personal health details, Barcelona reportedly views the move as a breach of professional obligation.
The club’s legal department has now been involved, with internal discipline and possible sanctions on the table. While no action has been taken yet, Spanish outlet Marca reports that Barcelona remains composed and plans to hold discussions with Ter Stegen later this week in hopes of resolving the standoff without escalation.
When asked about the issue during an encounter at the airport, Ter Stegen replied with sarcasm: “How is my back? Well, when you need to have surgery, it means it’s not working perfectly.” On his rapport with the club, he added tersely: “It is all good, it always goes well.”
