Spain might face a hefty fine for fielding their 16-year-old prodigy, Lamine Yamal, in their upcoming Euro 2024 match vs. Albania due to potential breaches of German labor laws, reported by GOAL.

Lamine Yamal, the young sensation from Barcelona, has been a standout performer for Spain in Euro 2024. At just 16 years old, he has already started both of La Roja’s matches, breaking records along the way. Yamal’s 17th birthday falls on July 13, just one day before the European Championship final, making him one of the youngest talents to feature in such a prestigious tournament.

Yamal’s remarkable talent has earned him a spot in Spain’s starting lineup, and he has not disappointed. His performances have been nothing short of spectacular, drawing attention from fans and pundits alike. However, his participation in the upcoming game against Albania, scheduled for 9 pm local time, poses a potential legal issue.

Lamine Yamal close to trouble at Euro 2024

German labor laws are at the heart of the issue. These laws state that individuals under 18 cannot work past 8 pm. Athletes do get a slight concession, allowing them to work until 11 pm. With Spain’s match against Albania kicking off at 9 pm, Yamal will be cutting it close to the 11 pm curfew. This timeframe includes not just the game itself but also post-match activities such as press duties and autograph signings.

If Yamal’s participation extends beyond the 11 pm curfew, Spain could be fined €30,000. While this situation might seem trivial, it underscores the strict labor regulations in place to protect young workers, even in the world of professional sports.

Lamine Yamal is making waves not just for his age but for his exceptional skill and maturity on the field. His involvement in Euro 2024 has already seen him break several records, highlighting his potential to become one of football’s future stars. However, his young age means he is subject to laws designed to protect minors in the workplace, presenting a unique challenge for the Spanish FA.

What's next for Spain at Euro 2024

Despite the potential fine, Spanish news outlet Bild reports that Spain is confident they will avoid any sporting penalties for playing Yamal. The Spanish FA is aware of the regulations and is likely taking steps to ensure compliance. Coach Luis de la Fuente faces a decision: should he risk playing Yamal against Albania, or rest him with Spain already through to the last 16 after securing maximum points from their first two games?

Spain’s progression to the knockout stages is already secured, which gives de la Fuente some flexibility. Resting Yamal could avoid any potential fines and also give the young player a break. However, with Yamal in such fine form, de la Fuente might be tempted to keep his starlet in the lineup to maintain momentum and continue developing his international experience.

Spain’s dilemma with Lamine Yamal highlights the complexities of managing young talent in high-stakes tournaments. While Yamal’s performances have been a revelation, the Spanish FA must navigate German labor laws to avoid financial penalties. Whether Yamal plays against Albania or is given a rest, his impact on Euro 2024 is already significant, and his future in football looks incredibly bright. As Spain prepares for the knockout stages, they will need to balance the immediate benefits of playing Yamal with the long-term considerations of his development and well-being.