Barcelona at Odds with Ter Stegen Over AFE Statement
Barcelona is reportedly in conflict with goalkeeper Marc-André Ter Stegen after he joined the other 19 La Liga captains in signing a statement from the Asociación de Futbolistas Españoles (AFE) opposing the proposed Miami match. The club feels that Ter Stegen’s endorsement of the statement undermines Barcelona’s strategic interests and goes against the team’s position.
The tension arises because Ter Stegen, by siding with the AFE, publicly aligned himself with a stance that the club views as potentially harmful to its image and negotiations surrounding the Miami fixture. Barcelona’s management believes that as a senior player and team leader, Ter Stegen should have prioritized the club’s perspective before publicly signing the statement.
This situation highlights a growing friction between players and club hierarchy, especially in matters where broader league or organizational decisions are involved. Ter Stegen’s decision, though in line with the collective voice of La Liga captains, has triggered internal debates at Barça about player loyalty, public statements, and the balance between individual expression and club interests. The coming weeks may reveal whether this disagreement will escalate or if the parties will find a resolution.
