Barcelona face La Liga block over Ter Stegen injury

Barcelona’s attempt to exploit La Liga’s injury exemption rule to register a new goalkeeper has hit a major snag, as Marc-André ter Stegen refuses to authorize the release of his medical records.

Following surgery on his back, the club hoped to use the injury rule, which permits clubs to replace players out for four months or more by reallocating 50-80% of their salary.

Barça planned to bring in Joan Garcia under this provision.

However, La Liga are refusing to process ter Stegen’s medical report without his signed consent.

Despite Barcelona claiming they have legal grounds to bypass his approval under data protection exemptions, the league insists the rules are clear, no signature, no review.

Cadena SER reports that unless ter Stegen relents, the Blaugrana will be blocked from registering Garcia or any replacement using the injury rule.

Barcelona had planned to meet the goalkeeper upon returning from South Korea to resolve the issue.

However, Diario AS now says the meeting has been cancelled.

The club, reportedly incensed by ter Stegen’s stance, believes he is acting in bad faith and undermining the team.

Without a breakthrough, Barcelona may enter the new La Liga season without a registered senior goalkeeper to cover ter Stegen’s prolonged absence.