The lack of a Brexit deal in the United Kingdom could affect athletes working in Spain and Gareth Bale's future hangs in the balance. The deadline set for a Brexit deal is Saturday 30 March 2019. 72 days.

A hard Brexit would compromise the legal situation for as many as 800,000 britons in Spain and Vinicius could also be affected. If Bale was to become the third non-EU player in the squad after Casemiro and Fede Valverde, it could mean the Brazilian loses his place. Article 230 explains that you can only name three foreign players in your squad in LaLiga and two in LaLiga 123 as agreed between the federation, LaLiga and AFE.

The Copa del Rey does not have professional status, however, and therefore, Vinicius could play as the same rules do not apply in the competition.

The key to all of this, however, might be Casemiro. The Brazilian started the process of applying for Spanish nationality last summer but he has not completed the administrative process yet. One he does officially become Spanish, they can register as such and his nationality would be taken into consideration immediately.

Bale and Girona's Paddy Roberts could be affected. The Manchester City attacker is on loan with the Spanish side and they already have allocated their three places to foreigners with Johan Mojica (Colombia), Douglas Luiz (Brazil) and Anthony Lozano (Honduras).

Lawyer, Juan Ignacio Navas told ESPNFC that getting a license to work in Spain "is not currently not easy to get as many people want come here to live. But we have a law that if you buy a house for half a million euro, or you have a 'special' job, it is easier."

The RFEF said they would not comment on hypotethical situations and until something happens with Brexit, they will not take a stance. Jonathan Barett, Bale's agent, says he is "hopeful" of arranging a deal with the league if a hard Brexit comes to pass.