NEW DELHI: Lamine Yamal, that 16-year-old Barcelona star, has taken the Football world by fire. It seems that whatever he does becomes a record or breaks the one. The moment he took the field for Spain against Croatia, Yamal became the youngest player ever to play in the European Championship, aged 16 years and 338 days.
Moments later he set another record by providing an assist to Dani Carvajal in Spain’s 3-0 win against Croatia, becoming the youngest player ever to assist in Euro, although he didn’t score in the match.But eventually, he would score.
In the semi-final, France took the early lead against Spain with Randal Kolo Muani’s goal in the eighth minute, thanks to a cross by Kylian Embappe. Spain was lagging when Yamal skillfully trespassed the French defence to score the equalizer. Yamal scored in the 21st minute of the match and added to his name the record of the youngest-ever player to score in Euros.Aged 16 years and 362 days, he broke the previous record of Switzerland player Johan Vonlanthen, who also scored against France, in 2004, at the age of 18 years and 141 days. Spain eventually defeated France 2-1 to enter the final. Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente praised Yamal’s goal and described it as “a touch of genius”.
Despite all these achievements, coach Fuente has been finding it hard to play him for the full 90 minutes in Euros. Why? Because it is illegal in Germany, the host nation of Euro 2024.
As per the labour law of Germany, minors are not allowed to work beyond 8 pm. Although there’s some relaxation for athletes but even for them the deadline is 11 pm. While Spain’s quarterfinal against Germany kicked off at 6 pm, many of their matches so far, including the semi-final against France, began at 9 pm German time. Given the 90 minutes of regulation time along with the injury time in each half, 15 minutes of break, and the post-match interviews, it would have pushed the Yamal to work beyond 11 pm.
Due to German labour law, the Spanish coach was forced to sub-off Yamal in group stage matches at the 86th minute, 71st minute, and 19th minute in matches against Croatia, Italy, and Albania, respectively. If Yamal works (plays) beyond 11 PM then the Spanish FA will be fined 30,000 euros.
Yamal featured for the entire duration of the match in the round of 16 match against Georgia where Spain emerged victorious with a scoreline of 4-1. However, this potentially puts the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in a position where they could face a penalty amounting to approximately $32,500. The uncertainty lies in whether the German authorities impose the fine on the RFEF or not.
Interestingly, the Euro 2024 final on Monday is also scheduled to kick off at 9 pm German time, as three-time champions Spain is set to take on Harry Kane-led England. He will be, almost certainly, part of the starting XI but whether he will be subbed off or not is the question that looms large.
The young Spanish winger is set to celebrate his 17th birthday just one day before the Euro 2024 final. Spain has the option to substitute him for the second half of the match. However, if they choose not to make this substitution, they can face significant legal consequences under German law.
The decision to keep Yamal on the field for the entire game would result in a substantial financial penalty for the Spanish team. However, if Spain manages to secure the victory, the coaching staff and management will consider the money well spent.