Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was blocked from voting in the presidential elections after he failed to update his club membership. The German was spotted at the polling booth, but had to return without casting his vote soon.
According to reports from ESPN and SPORT, Ter Stegen was not eligible because he was not present during the club’s socios census. Only those validated during the census were allowed to cast their vote.
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The German not voting did not affect the elections, as Joan Laporta won by a landslide. He got a whopping 68.18% of the vote this time, up from 54.28% in 2021, when he was elected.
The re-elected president spoke shortly after the results were announced and called it a resounding victory that has made his team unstoppable. He said:
“This is a resounding result and it gives us great strength. It makes us unstoppable. No one will stop us. Exciting years lie ahead. They will be the best of our lives. This is a wonderful club, where the members elect their president and their board of directors.
“A club unique in the world, truly extraordinary. I want to make special mention of the members who came out to vote. It has been a celebration of democracy and civic spirit. And I would also like to highlight the excellent work carried out by our executives and staff in organising the election day.”
Ter Stegen is currently on loan at Girona after falling down the pecking order at Barcelona. However, he has played just twice since making the switch in January, having picked up an injury soon after the move.
Barcelona goalkeeper in danger of missing out on FIFA World Cup
Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has cast doubt on Ter Stegen making the national team squad for the FIFA World Cup. He admitted that the Barcelona goalkeeper was bound to be getting his chance this summer, but the new injury as changed his plans.
“It’s obviously an extremely tragic situation for Marc; it would have been his turn now. That something so dramatic would come from such a simple action as a normal pass. Looking at his history with the national team, it would have been his turn now.
“The book isn’t completely closed, but there’s no doubt it’s going to be very tight, because we have to take into account not only the recent downtime, but also the previous period. He’s barely played for a year; that’s extremely little.” (via Barca Blaugranes)
Ter Stegen is back at Barcelona working on his fitness and could have a chance if he recovers quickly, as Manuel Neuer is also injured.
Edited by Sripad
