Spain could break German law by playing Lamine Yamal against England in Euro 2024 final

Spain are at risk of breaking German employment law if Lamine Yamal plays for his country in their Euro 2024 final against England.

The teenage forward, who will celebrate his 17th birthday on Sunday, is set to become the youngest player ever to feature in a European Championship final when he features against the Three Lions.

Yamal has broken a handful of records in recent weeks. He smashed the record for the youngest player to have featured at a European Championship after taking to the field against Croatia, aged 16 years and 338 days.

He then became the youngest scorer in Euros history after equalising for Luis de la Fuente's side with a spectacular effort from range in their semi-final win over France.

And on Sunday, the Barcelona forward could break... a German employment law.

German law states that anybody under the age of 18 is not permitted to work past 8pm, although athletes are allowed to participate until 11pm, according to Spanish outlet Cadena Cope.

However, this could still prove an issue if Spain vs England goes into extra-time as it would run past the curfew. As a result, the Spanish FA could face a €30,000 (£25,000) fine if they break the law.

“We’re all responsible for his well-being. We’re going to do our job and let him play. Nothing more”, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said ahead of their last-16 match against Georgia.

“I don’t know the German legislation. Does Lamine have to be removed by 11pm? I don’t think so.”

Whether the legislation will be enforced or not is up in the air, but you can only presume that Spain would be more than happy to pay if it means Lamal would be involved for the latter stages against England.

The teenager has been one of Spain's standout performers at Euro 2024, registering a goal and three assists.

Image credit: Getty

“We have seen a genius, the product of a genius,” De la Fuente told reporters after their win over France.

“He’s a player we have to take care of — I have to give him the advice to keep working with the same humility and keep his feet on the floor.

“He would keep growing but this maturity and attitude at such a young age is like that of a more experienced player. We are lucky he is Spanish and we can enjoy him for many more years.”