Wed, November 12, 2025
Lamine Yamal released from Spain squad by RFEF after failing to declare medical procedure
Barcelona’s 18-year-old Lamine Yamal has been released from the Spanish squad by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) after having a small procedure to fix an ongoing groin issue without declaring this to the governing body. He will not feature in Spain’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey
Yamal underwent this medical procedure on the day the Spanish training camp commenced, without informing the RFEF national squad’s medical staff.
The RFEF’s statement read:
“The RFEF's medical services wish to express their surprise and concern after learning at 1:47 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, the day of the official start of the national team's training camp, that Yamal had undergone an invasive radiofrequency procedure to treat his pubic discomfort that same morning…
This procedure was performed without prior notification to the national team's medical staff, who only learned of the details through a report received at 10:40 p.m. on Monday, which indicated a medical recommendation for rest for 7-10 days…
In view of this situation, and prioritising the player's health, safety and well-being at all times, the RFEF has taken the decision to release the player from the current squad.”
Luis de la Fuente, La Roja coach, highlighted that it was strange that Barcelona FC did not raise the issue with the governing body. He told RNE: “There are procedures that happen outside the RFEF - that's what happens, that's the way it is and we have to accept it…
But I've never experienced a situation like this before. I don't think it's very normal. Of course it surprised me, as it did everyone else…
You don't hear anything, you don't know any details, and I insist, when it comes to health and fitness issues... you're left surprised.”
However, Barcelona coach, Hansi Flick, has previously alleged that Spain fails to look after its players correctly, such as by including injured players on its squad, and the two coaches have clashed on the issue before.
Yamal started Barcelona’s last six games in all competitions. He scored four goals and assisted three, but Flick has stated: “I think also he comes back to the best level, but it's not over, so it's not done this injury. We have to take care of him, not just us, also the national team.”
The RFEF statement can be found here.
