Barcelona Explores Legal Options as Ter Stegen Refuses Consent

FC Barcelona is considering various legal avenues in response to goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen‘s refusal to consent to the sharing of his medical data with LaLiga. The situation arises after ter Stegen underwent lower back surgery on July 29, 2023, which has significant implications for his registration under LaLiga’s emergency injury rules.

The LaLiga medical committee must review the club’s injury report to determine if the emergency injury provision applies to ter Stegen. If approved, Barcelona could potentially free up at least 50% of his salary for registration purposes, a crucial factor given that the rule applies only if a player is sidelined for a minimum of four months. Without ter Stegen’s consent, however, the club cannot disclose his medical information.

Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, had planned to address the issue with ter Stegen upon the team’s return from their Asia tour. Reports indicate that Deco was caught off guard when he received a certified fax from the goalkeeper explicitly stating his refusal to sign the medical report. In light of this, Spanish media suggest that the club has initiated disciplinary proceedings against ter Stegen, although this information remains unconfirmed by sources consulted by ESPN.

According to ESPN, the club is weighing its options, which may include the possibility of fining the player. The situation complicates Barcelona’s plans, especially since ter Stegen’s surgery was a significant setback for the team, which had anticipated a different trajectory for their No. 1 goalkeeper this season. Barcelona had also made the decision to renew the contract of veteran goalkeeper Inaki Pena while Ter Stegen recuperates.

Ter Stegen aims to regain fitness to compete for the No. 1 position at Barcelona and hopes to be the starting goalkeeper for Germany in the 2026 World Cup. While the club estimates that he will be out for at least four months, ter Stegen expressed optimism in a statement, suggesting he could return in just three months. Should his recovery extend beyond four months, Barcelona may have the option to release him from his contract and register García as his replacement.

Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, acknowledged that the “most direct path” to register summer signings, including García, involves utilizing LaLiga’s emergency injury rule in ter Stegen’s case. Nevertheless, he indicated that the club is also exploring alternative solutions. With just 11 days remaining before the start of their LaLiga title defense, the urgency for a resolution is palpable.

As the situation develops, the management of FC Barcelona will need to navigate these complexities carefully to ensure compliance with LaLiga regulations while addressing the implications of ter Stegen’s decision for the upcoming season.