Convincing since the start of Euro 2024, La Roja could nevertheless be sanctioned for a not trivial reason…
Winners of Croatia (3-0) and Italy (1-0), the Spaniards can boast of having made a successful debut in
the Euro 2024. Already qualified for the round of 16 and assured of finishing first in their group, the Iberians can look forward to the rest of the continental tournament with confidence. Unless they are caught by the patrol for an unexpected reason.
If we are to believe today’s news from the public television channel ZDF, relayed by Bild, the Red
could soon be sanctioned under the law in force in Germany. The reason ? The age of Lamine Yamal, 16 springs on the clock only. An age incompatible with professional activity in the evening across the Rhine.
The youth protection law in Germany is inflexible: minors are not allowed to work beyond 8 p.m. A legislative framework which applies to young Germans but also to foreigners working on German soil.
The risk of extensions
Of course, an exemption for athletes is possible, but only until 11 p.m. However, the work for a footballer does not stop on the pitch. Locker room time and media engagements for example are also considered strictly by German law. This is without taking into account possible extensions from the round of 16 which will force players to officiate beyond 11 p.m.
If German justice were to look into this specific case – which has never happened yet, specifies the national press – the Spanish selection would incur a fine of 30,000 euros for each evening of obstruction. On the other hand, from the side of UEFA and sports disciplinary bodies, La Roja risks nothing.
