Bayern Munich rush to get 'special permit' for player to start against Atalanta in unprecedented scenario

Bayern Munich are working to obtain a special permit to allow a 16-year-old goalkeeper to play in their Champions League round of 16 second leg on Tuesday night.

The Bavarians take on Atalanta at the Allianz Arena after claiming a comfortable 6-1 victory in the first leg in Bergamo.

But Vincent Kompany's side are in the thick of an almighty goalkeeping department, with Manuel Neuer sidelined with a muscle injury and Jonas Urbig suffering a suspected concussion which ruled him out of the 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen.

37-year-old Sven Ulreich filled in but the veteran picked up an injury in the form of a torn adductor muscle.

Leon Klanac, the first-choice goalkeeper for Bayern's second team in the fourth division of German football, is also injured and his 19-year-old deputy Jannis Bartl has never made any type of senior appearance.

Prescott could play in the Champions League as a 16-year-old. Image: Getty

What law do Bayern need to find a workaround for?

16-year Leonard Prescott, who was on the bench for the Leverkusen game, is therefore the leading contender to get the nod and will become the youngest ever starting goalkeeper in the Champions League if he does.

But there is a legal issue which has emerged. The Youth Employment Protection in Germany prohibits those under the age of 18 from working after 8pm.

The issue came up when Lamine Yamal was tearing up Euro 2024 in Germany as a 16-year-old with Spain.

Athletes can get a special exemption which enables them to participate in activities until 11pm but in the unlikely event of extra time and penalties, that could be an issue with an 11pm kick-off.

According to journalist Jose I. Araoz, Bayern are rushing to obtain a "process a special permit" so that everything runs smoothly and that he can play the full duration.

If he does, he will be required to have a day off as the employment law stipulates the individual must have a minimum of 14 hours of rest afterwards.

6ft 4 Prescott was born in New York but has represented Germany at various youth levels. He has won the UEFA Youth League and DFB Junior Cup with Bayern.

He previously worked as a ballboy for Bayern and was behind Neuer's goal for the Champions League clash with Lazio two years ago.

Urbig was back in training on Monday but Sport1 say it is still uncertain whether he will be able to return.

In line with UEFA concussion protocols, a player must get the go-ahead from the team doctor and be examined for an independent neurological consultant in order to get the complete sign off.