Spain and Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, 16, risks breaking little-known law in Albania clash
SPAIN and Barcelona star Lamine Yamal risks breaking a little-known law in tonight’s Euro group stage finale against Albania.
The 16-year-old has taken the tournament by storm, helping Spain win both their matches against Croatia and Italy while terrorising full-backs on the wing.
And Yamal is now ready to make it a hat-trick of wins for his nation as they take on Albania at 8pm tonight.
However, Bild claims Spain risk breaking a strict German law by playing Yamal.
It’s claimed that under-18s in the country are not allowed to work past 8pm local time.
Athletes are given exemptions allowing them to play until 11pm.
But this must include all post-match exercises including showering and media obligations.
As Germany is an hour ahead of the UK, it means Spain vs Albania kicks off at 9pm local time and won’t end until 11pm at the earliest.
Therefore, Spain will break the law if they play Yamal for the full 90 minutes, as he would then go past the allotted time slot for his post-match duties.
Their second group game against Italy was a 9pm local kick-off.
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But Yamal was subbed off early in the second half, allowing him plenty of time to end his active role on the night.
Should Spain break the law, there is even a chance German authorities could fine them £25,000.
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And things will get even more complicated once the knockout stages start, with matches ending in a stalemate going to extra time and penalties.
However, it’s claimed any threat of a fine is unlikely to be enforced.
The law is designed to protect the well-being of youngsters.
And with Yamal clearly thriving in his surroundings, there is no suggestion of anything other than total support for his progress and safety from the Spanish national team.
Indeed, Yamal is still being made to do his homework while taking a break from training or playing.
He said: “How many hours do I study? Well, since we have a lot of free time, it’s not something that I put in and say: ‘Today at least two hours’.
“When I’m in the room with nothing to do, I take the iPad and do a couple of homework, and when Nico or Fermín call me to play PlayStation, I go down with them.
“Do I have to take exams? No, with the iPad, I see what they send me, I print it and do it.
“What about my grades? I guess they will send them to me online because it depends on how far we go in the Euro Cup, which I hope will be very far away because I won’t be going back to class anymore.
“So, if we reach the final, I won’t come back, I’ll go directly on vacation.”