Ter Stegen finds ally in his fallout with Barcelona as Spanish Players’ Association steps in | OneFootball

The ongoing dispute between Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Barcelona has taken a new turn.

According to RAC1, the Spanish Players’ Association (AFE) has reached out to the German goalkeeper, assuring him that the club has no legal right to punish him over the current situation.

The reassurance comes at a time when tensions between the two parties are at an all-time high.

At the centre of the conflict is Ter Stegen’s refusal to sign the medical report that Barcelona want to send to La Liga.

The club is pushing to have his injury classified as a long-term absence, over four months, which would allow them to use 80% of his wages to register Joan Garcia as his replacement.

However, the goalkeeper has publicly stated that he expects to be out for only three months, contradicting the club’s claim and blocking the process.

Barcelona and La Liga at odds

The AFE has reached out to Ter Stegen. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Barcelona remain firm in their belief that they can submit the report without Ter Stegen’s consent.

They argue that there are legal avenues and exceptions that allow them to share the data with La Liga’s medical committee.

However, La Liga disagrees, stating clearly that the player’s signature is mandatory before they can assess the report and in the middle of this standoff, the AFE has stepped in to support Ter Stegen.

The union has informed him that any attempt by the club to initiate disciplinary action would lack legal grounding, especially when viewed through the lens of data protection laws and the players’ collective agreement.

For now, Ter Stegen is holding his position and has not agreed to meet with club officials.

Until there is a breakthrough, Barcelona remain stuck, unable to move forward with their registration plans and locked in a legal and financial deadlock with their captain.