Spain may violate German laws if 16-year-old Lamine Yamal plays in their final UEFA Euro 2024 group stage game against Albania on Monday. Yamal, one of the tournament’s standout performers, is poised to become one of the world’s best footballers. However, due to his age, Yamal faces restrictions under German law, which could affect his availability for the match.
Spain to break German law playing Lamine Yamal
German regulations stipulate that anyone under 18 cannot work past 20:00, though athletes are given leeway to participate until 23:00. Spain’s match against Albania, scheduled to kick off at 21:00 German time, poses a potential problem if it extends beyond the curfew.
This situation creates a dilemma for Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, who may need to omit Yamal from the squad to avoid legal repercussions. While Spain’s primary aim is to field their best players, compliance with local laws is crucial to avoid fines.
What happens if Spain break the law
If Spain’s knockout stage games, which might also start at 21:00, go into extra time, they could also breach the curfew, risking a £30,000 fine. The enforcement of this fine depends on the German government’s stance. Reports suggest that the authorities are relatively relaxed and unlikely to impose the fine.
Should Spain top Group B, they will face the third-place team from Groups A, D, E, or F, with a kickoff time of 20:00. This earlier start time would allow Yamal to participate without violating curfew regulations, ensuring that Spain can play their young star without legal issues.
