Spain faces a €30,000 fine for playing Lamine Yamal in their match against Italy, due to Germany’s Youth Protection Act.
At just 16 years and 338 days old, football prodigy Lamine Yamal made history in Spain’s 3-0 victory over Croatia last weekend, becoming the youngest player ever to feature in the EURO tournament. Yamal has had an impressive 2023-24 season with Barcelona and entered EURO 2024 with high expectations.
Confident before the match against Italy, Yamal started in Spain’s first two group-stage matches against Croatia and Italy. However, Germany’s law poses a potential fine of €30,000 ($32,000) for Spain following the Italy match.
Germany’s Youth Protection Act prohibits individuals under 18 from working after 8 PM. Spain’s first match began at 6 PM local time, but the game against Italy started at 9 PM.
There is a special provision in German law allowing athletes to work until 11 PM. The match concluded around 10:45 PM, and post-match interviews could have extended past the allowed time frame. This might be considered a violation of the law, putting Spain at risk of a fine.
Yamal has emerged as one of the standout young talents at EURO 2024, displaying speed and maturity beyond his years. Starting in both of Spain’s matches, he has helped La Roja secure an early spot in the round of 16. Trained at Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, Yamal is seen as the future star for both his club and Spanish football.
