Barcelona to land huge financial boost due to Marc-Andre ter Stegen injury that allows La Liga champions to register new goalkeeper Joan Garcia

The Spanish champions are set to receive more than €2 million from FIFA due to Ter Stegen's injury layoff, according to a report from Mundo Deportivo. The German goalkeeper has been out of action due to ongoing back problems since returning from international duty in June and is now considering surgery that could keep him out of action for up to four months. As per FIFA’s Club Protection Programme, clubs receive €20,548 per day for injuries that exceed 28 consecutive days if they pick up an injury on international duty.

The financial compensation arrives at a crucial time for Barcelona amid their ongoing struggles with La Liga’s salary cap. If Ter Stegen is ruled out for several months, Barcelona will not only receive the FIFA payout but will also be able to unlock 80% of his wages under domestic financial fair play rules, making room for Joan Garcia’s registration, whose arrival sparked anger from Ter Stegen over fears regarding his place in the team.

Under FIFA’s Club Protection Programme, clubs can receive up to €7.5 million in compensation for a single injury, capped at 365 days of absence. Barcelona previously benefited from this scheme following Gavi's injury with Spain and Ronald Araujo's with Uruguay.

Barcelona await Ter Stegen’s final decision regarding surgery, which would confirm his expected four-month absence. If he proceeds, the club will activate both FIFA’s compensation mechanism and La Liga’s wage relief rule. In the meantime, Garcia could be registered as the first-team goalkeeper ahead of the 2025-26 season.