Fierce debate over Lamine Yamal, UEFA speaks out

(Dan Tri) - In recent days, FC Barcelona and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have been arguing fiercely regarding Lamine Yamal's injury. In light of this situation, UEFA has been forced to speak out.

Lamine Yamal was diagnosed with an instep injury after returning to serve the Spanish national team during the recent FIFA Days. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick later accused the Spanish team of deliberately injecting painkillers to force Yamal to play due to the injury.

Barcelona accused the Spanish team of injecting painkillers to force Yamal onto the field (Photo: Getty).

The German coach said: “Yamal is still forced to play despite his injury. He is in big trouble. Yamal played 73 and 79 minutes in the two matches for the Spanish team. The striker could not even train because of the pain.

Is this how the Spanish Football Federation takes care of its players? I am really sad about it.”

In response, the Spanish Football Federation confirmed that Barcelona had been fully informed about Yamal's injury. In addition, playing in the two matches against Bulgaria and Türkiye was due to the "wish of the player".

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed that no players had serious problems during the recent national team training session.

In response, Barcelona continued to criticize the RFEF for being irresponsible. They said that Yamal's case needed medical advice and could not be left to an 18-year-old player to decide for himself.

With Barcelona and the RFEF constantly criticizing each other, UEFA has stepped in. Speaking to the press, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin called for protecting the health of players as their health has reached its limit due to the tight match schedule.

“UEFA’s partnership with FIFPRO (the world’s professional footballers’ union) reflects our shared responsibility to protect players’ health and strengthen the foundations of the sport ,” said the UEFA chief.

As demand for players continues to grow, it is important to work with National Federations, Clubs and players to find a balanced solution for the future of football”.

UEFA calls on clubs and national teams to unite to protect players' health (Photo: Getty).

Meanwhile, David Terrier, President of the FIFPRO union, admitted: “We all recognise that the fixture schedule has reached its health limit for players. In Europe, we are fortunate to have the tools and partners, including clubs, leagues and national federations, to develop standards to protect player safety and ensure that both club and international football continue to inspire, unite and develop.”

Yamal has been absent from Barcelona's squad for some time now. He did not play in the 6-0 win over Valencia in La Liga last weekend. He is unlikely to be available for the Champions League clash with Newcastle. Barcelona have not set a specific date for the 18-year-old's return.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/tranh-cai-nay-lua-vi-lamine-yamal-uefa-len-tieng-20250917132604487.htm