Euro 2024: Why Germany's labour law prevents Spain's wonderkid Yamal from playing 90 min

Lamine Yamal, the 16-year-old Barcelona star, has taken the football world by storm. He recently became the youngest player to participate in the European Championship, aged 16 years and 338 days, and the youngest to provide an assist in the tournament during Spain's 3-0 win against Croatia. 

Yamal also set the record as the youngest player to score in a Euro finals match, netting an equalizer against France at 16 years and 362 days, breaking Johan Vonlanthen's 2004 record. 

Spain's coach, Luis de la Fuente, praised Yamal's goal as a "touch of genius." However, due to German labour laws prohibiting minors from working past 11 pm, Yamal has had limited playtime in later matches. The Spanish FA could face a fine of €30,000 if Yamal plays beyond this curfew. Despite this, Yamal played the full match against Georgia, risking a penalty for the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

With the Euro 2024 final scheduled for 9 pm German time, Spain must decide whether to substitute Yamal, who turns 17 a day before the final, to avoid legal repercussions. Spain faces England in this crucial match.

Yamal is set to celebrate his 17th birthday just one day before the Euro 2024 final. Spain faces a dilemma regarding his participation due to German labour laws, which prohibit minors from working past 11 pm. While Spain has the option to substitute him for the second half of the match to comply with these regulations, choosing not to make this substitution could result in significant legal consequences.