Spain will face England in the European Championship (Euro) 2024 final at the Olympiastadion Berlin on Sunday and they are at risk of breaking a German law related to their star player Lamine Yamal.
Yamal, who has been one of Spain’s best players in the tournament, turned 17 today but his playing time could be limited in the final against England.
According to German laws, a minor (below the age of 18) cannot work after 8pm in the country. With most Euro 2024 matches starting at 9pm local time, Yamal, being a sportsman, was given special dispensation to continue playing till 11.
Spain’s quarter-final against Germany went into extra time but Lamal was substituted just after 63 minutes. The final against England will begin at 9pm in Berlin and with two of England’s knockout matches being decided in the extra time, there is a chance that the final, too, could go into the extra time.
If the match entered into extra time, Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente would be forced to take Yamal off at 90 minutes as after that, Lo Roja would be at a constant risk of breaking a German law.
Should Yamal continue to play after 90 minutes, Spain could reportedly be hit with a fine of up to €30,000 (£25,390) for the infraction but will not face any sporting sanctions.
It is yet to be seen what will be Spain’s course of action if the match goes into extra time whether they will substitute Yamal or will they ask for one extra-special exemption from German authorities.
It is worth mentioning that Yamal has provided three assists in Euro 2024 so far, which is the most and he also scored the first goal in the semi-final against France.
