Barcelona have announced that they have removed Marc-Andre ter Stegen from his role as first-team captain, after opening disciplinary proceedings against him. The 33-year-old has been in the role since Sergio Busquets departed in 2023.

Ter Stegen and Barcelona are in an ongoing dispute over both his future and the club’s ability to activate La Liga’s injury rule in order to help them register his replacement in Joan Garcia. Thus far, they have been unable to register either of Garcia, who arrived for €25m from Espanyol, or Wojciech Szczesny, who has signed a new contract with the club.

Barcelona release official statement

Barcelona released the following statement on Thursday afternoon, following reports that manager Hansi Flick was in favour of removing ter Stegen as captain. Last week Flick had commented that the captain’s would be voted for by the players.

FC Barcelona hereby announces that, following the disciplinary proceedings opened against player Marc-André ter Stegen, and until this matter is definitively resolved, the club, by mutual agreement with the Sporting Direction and the coaching staff, has decided to temporarily withdraw his role as first-team captain.

During this period, the duties of first captain will be assumed by the current vice-captain, Ronald Araujo.