Soccer Star Lamine Yamal Facing Investigation for Allegedly Hiring People with Dwarfism for His Birthday Party

Barcelona soccer star Lamine Yamal is facing scrutiny after he allegedly hired people with dwarfism to entertain guests at his 18th birthday party.

A Spanish government official has called for an investigation into the matter because it is considered illegal, according to The Associated Press and CNN.

Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights director Jesús Martín Blanco, who is pushing for a probe into the incident, told Europa Press that the practice “takes us back to the Middle Ages.”

In addition, multiple groups including the Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain (ADEE), have condemned the alleged incident.

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“We will take action through legal and social channels,” the ADEE wrote on X in a translated post.

In a statement, Carolina Puente, the association’s president, added: “It’s unacceptable in the 21st century that people with dwarfism are still used as amusement in private parties and even worse when these incidents involve public figures like Lamine Yamal. The dignity and rights of our collective are not the entertainment of anyone, under any circumstance.”

PEOPLE has contacted Yamal for comment.

Yamal’s party occurred about 30 miles southwest of Barcelona in the town of Olivella on Sunday, July 13, CNN reported.

Many of his Barça teammates, as well as other celebrities, were in attendance, per the AP.

In May, Yamal signed a contract extension with the team to stay in Barcelona until 2031.

On Wednesday, the superstar was given the iconic Barcelona No. 10 shirt previously worn by Lionel Messi, according to ESPN.

“When I was a child, my dream was to debut for Barça, to grow up and play with the No. 10,” Yamal said. “Every kid born in Barcelona dreams of that. Messi has made his way, and I’m going to make mine.”