The Spanish Players’ Association (AFE) has reportedly assured the German international that the club has no legal basis to punish him for refusing to sign the document, easing concerns about potential disciplinary measures.
The dispute arises from Barcelona’s attempt to classify Ter Stegen’s injury as a long-term absence exceeding four months. Such a classification would allow the club to use 80 per cent of his wages to register a replacement player, with Joan Garcia lined up to step in.
However, the 32-year-old goalkeeper has refused to sign the medical report, insisting that he expects to be sidelined for only three months, directly contradicting the club’s position.
Barcelona maintains that it can still submit the medical report to La Liga without Ter Stegen’s consent, citing what they believe are legal avenues and exceptions for sharing medical data with the league’s medical committee. La Liga, however, has taken a firm stance that the player’s signature is mandatory for the report to be assessed.
In the midst of this deadlock, the AFE has intervened in support of Ter Stegen, reminding him that any disciplinary action from the club would lack legal validity. The union emphasised that data protection laws and the collective agreement governing professional footballers in Spain back the goalkeeper’s right to withhold his signature.
The situation has placed Barcelona in a difficult position, both legally and financially. Without Ter Stegen’s signed report, the club cannot move forward with registering a replacement under La Liga’s regulations. The standoff also raises questions about the strained relationship between the club and its captain, who has so far declined to meet with officials to resolve the matter.
Tensions between the two parties have escalated in recent weeks, with the disagreement casting a shadow over Barcelona’s planning for the remainder of the season. The club had hoped to temporarily fill the void left by Ter Stegen’s absence while managing its wage bill under strict La Liga financial rules.
Ter Stegen’s refusal to comply, however, has underscored his determination to control his medical narrative and protect his contractual rights. By holding firm, he has effectively halted the club’s strategy, leaving Barcelona unable to register Garcia or any other temporary replacement until an agreement is reached.
For now, the stalemate continues, with neither side willing to back down. Barcelona must weigh the risks of pursuing alternative legal strategies against the possibility of further souring relations with one of their most senior players. Meanwhile, Ter Stegen appears confident in the support he has received from the players’ union, which has reassured him that his stance is fully within his legal and contractual rights.
As the impasse drags on, the situation highlights the delicate balance between player autonomy, club interests, and league regulations a balance that will need resolution before Barcelona can move forward with their plans.