- Spain’s Lamine Yamal is the youngest player in the history of the Euros finals
- 16-year-old could be guilty of breaking German law if he plays against Albania
- LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! England hysteria! Are the Three Lions missing the leadership of Jordan Henderson?
Spain could fall foul of German labour laws if Lamine Yamal features in their clash with Albania on Monday.
At just 16-years-old, Yamal is the youngest player ever to take part in the Euros, with his 17th birthday falling just one day before next month’s final.
Far from being part of the team solely as a means to gain international experience, the prodigious talent has quickly become integral to Luis de la Fuente’s side as they sit top of their group with two wins from two.
With qualification to the knockout stage already assured, La Roja take on Albania at the Dusseldorf Arena this evening.
However, according to a report from German publication Bild with kick-off set for 9pm local time Yamal could be forced to miss out lest Spain break an employment law relating to under 18s.
Spain risk falling foul of German employment law if Lamine Yamal plays against Albania
The 16-year-old has started both of La Roja’s games so far as Spain sit top of Group B
However, German law prohibits under-18s from working past 9pm, with athletes allowed to participate until 11pm
The law states those under the age of 18 are prohibited from working later than 8pm.
Special dispensation is made for athletes, who are allowed to play until 11pm though that is said to include time to shower and to complete post-match media activities.
Spain would reportedly not face sporting sanctions for breaking the rules, however they could be hit with a fine of up to €30,000 (£25,390) for the infraction.
Yamal made his senior international debut in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia, becoming the nation’s youngest player and youngest goalscorer after he netted the final goal in a 7-1 win.
The Barcelona star has started both of their Euro 2024 games so far, and provided an assist in a 3-0 win in their Group B opener against Croatia.
