Yes, Lamine Yamal can play after 9 PM, but his participation is subject to specific German labor laws that limit how long he can be on the field, especially concerning the completion of full matches.
Understanding German Labor Law Restrictions
As a minor playing in Germany, Lamine Yamal falls under the country's youth labor protection laws. These regulations are in place to safeguard the well-being and ensure adequate rest for young individuals, even those engaged in professional sports.
The primary restriction impacting Yamal's playing time is that German labor laws prevent him from playing full matches past 11 pm. This means:
- He can take part in matches that start or are still ongoing after 9 PM.
- However, if a match, particularly one that goes for the full 90 minutes plus any added time or extra time, is expected to extend beyond 11 PM, his continued presence on the field would be restricted. He would likely need to be substituted before that time to comply with the law.
Practical Implications for Late Matches
This rule is particularly relevant for matches scheduled for a late kick-off or those that run longer than anticipated due to extra time or penalty shootouts. For instance, a game starting at 9 PM (21:00 Central European Time) would typically conclude around 10:45 PM (22:45 CET) with injury time, which falls within the permitted window. However, if the game progresses beyond regulation time, careful management of his playtime becomes necessary.
Here's a breakdown of how the timing affects his play:
| Time Frame | Lamine Yamal's Playing Status | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Before 9 PM | Generally Permitted | No specific labor law restrictions related to playing duration are generally applied to this period for minors in this context. |
| After 9 PM | Permitted with Time Limits | He is allowed to play, but German labor laws dictate that his participation in a full match cannot extend beyond 11 PM. |
| Past 11 PM | Restricted for Full Matches | He is specifically prevented from completing full matches beyond this time. This requires strategic player management by his team to ensure compliance with the law. |
This regulation ensures that even highly talented young athletes like Yamal receive adequate rest and are not overextended, prioritizing their long-term health and development.
