The Spanish Government has requested a formal investigation into whether Barcelona star Lamine Yamal violated the country’s disability laws by allegedly hiring individuals with dwarfism to work at his recent 18th birthday party.
Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights, through the Director General for Disability, Jesús Martín, has urged prosecutors and the Office for Combating Hate Crimes to look into reports suggesting that people with dwarfism were employed at the celebration, which took place on Sunday, July 12.
The country’s General Disability Law prohibits any act that may mock, exploit, or denigrate people with disabilities, and the ministry is concerned that Yamal’s actions, if confirmed, may have crossed that legal line.
Speaking with Spanish news agency EFE, Martín expressed alarm over the situation:
“We are concerned that people with money, people with power, believe themselves to be unpunished. The law is for everyone, for the humble and for the powerful.”
He called for an immediate and thorough investigation, urging that actions be taken based on the findings:
“Let the appropriate investigations be opened, and let action be taken based on the findings.”
In addition, The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism has threatened legal action against Lamine Yamal if the allegations prove true.
Martín also raised concern about Lamine Yamal’s influence on young fans, given his massive following:
“It’s worrying that a young man with so many followers, an influencer for young people, would throw these kinds of parties, which could have a knock-on effect on youth.”
If found guilty of violating Spain’s disability laws, Lamine Yamal could face a fine of up to €1 million.
Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal has returned to pre-season training with FC Barcelona ahead of the 2025/26 season, but the growing controversy surrounding his birthday event continues to dominate headlines.
