Marc-Andre ter Stegen stripped of Barcelona captaincy: La Liga champions confirm action as Ronald Araujo takes over amid injury feud

Barcelona have officially announced their decision to strip Ter Stegen of the captain's armband, with Araujo, the vice-captain, appointed as the new captain until the matter is resolved. Barca's decision comes in light of Ter Stegen's unwillingness to co-operate with the club by signing the injury consent form, which would allow them to register new signings.

Ter Stegen’s recent lower back surgery and subsequent three-month recovery announcement caught Barcelona by surprise, as the club had been unaware of his plans to disclose the timeline independently. Barcelona had intended to issue a joint statement citing a longer absence of four to five months, which would have enabled them to use 80 per cent of his salary to register new players. Although Barca reported a four-month layoff to La Liga and requested Ter Stegen’s consent to submit medical documents, the goalkeeper reportedly cut off communication and refused to sign. As a result, La Liga refused to consider Barca's reports that the custodian would be out for more than three months. The club initiated disciplinary action and cancelled a scheduled meeting with the German international.

The La Liga champions posted an official statement on their website, which read: "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."

Hansi Flick's side will aim to focus on on-field matters amid the feud between the club and Ter Stegen. The Blaugrana will take on Italian side Como, managed by ex-Barca midfielder Cesc Fabregas, in the Joan Gamper Trophy game on Sunday, August 10, before kicking off their league title defence away at Mallorca on August 16.