Dinner with Lamine Yamal's mum? Fans asked to pay €800 for VIP tickets to meet Barcelona star's mother in London gala as ex-Real Betis star reveals his role in organising event

An events company in London is promoting a gala offering fans the chance to meet the mother of Barcelona sensation, with VIP tickets priced at €800. Following publicity around the event, former Real Betis and Valladolid footballer Zarandona has spoken to Marcato clarify the nature of Ebana's involvement and his role in brokering the deal.

Zarandona, a long-time friend of the Yamal family, explained that he acted as an intermediary after being approached by an events company, JEN C Events. He detailed how the arrangement was a professional booking rather than a personal venture. "It's an events company that's trying to find me for the charity dinner I organise every year," Zarandona said. "We've reached an agreement. They're hiring me as a former soccer player, and I'll contact Lamine Yamal's mother. We offer some terms and they accept."

The former Equatorial Guinea international was keen to dispel any notion that Ebana was organising the event herself to capitalise on her son's fame. He stressed that she is a paid guest and is not involved in the promotion or ticket sales. "Lamine Yamal's mother isn't organising anything. She's going as a guest. Nothing more," Zarandona stated. "Some things have been published that have surprised me. She's hired. She hasn't done anything, and she's going as a guest."

The event, titled the 'Football Fans Christmas Party', has seemingly generated significant interest, prompting a change of location to a larger and more central venue. Organisers confirmed the gala will now be held at The Leonardo Royal Hotel London City on November 7. A statement from the promoters noted the move was made "due to requests for a more central location with better transport access" and confirmed that all existing tickets remain valid for the new venue.

The gala is set to proceed on November 7, with organisers stating that tickets are limited. While the commercial nature of an event centred on a player's mother has raised eyebrows, Zarandona's clarification has shed light on the professional arrangement behind it. The focus is now on the event itself, which has successfully used the connection to one of football's brightest young stars to attract considerable public interest.