Philadelphia Union accused of breaking law after Cavan Sullivan, 14, makes MLS debut

Philadelphia Union was accused of breaking the law by having Cavan Sullivan play in its 5-1 MLS win over the New England Revolution on Wednesday.

In particular, soccer fans on social media have noted that Union head coach Jim Curtin's decision to play the 14-year-old Sullivan in a game after 9 p.m. ET could have broken child labor laws in Pennsylvania. The law states that minors ages 14 and 15 may not work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. - when school is in session.

If school is not in session, minors are allowed to work until 9 p.m. Additionally, children around that age range are not allowed to work more the three hours per day, again provided that school is in session. During periods when there is no school, minors are allowed to work up to eight hours a day.

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Lastly, children aged 14 and 15 are not allowed to work more than 18 hours per week though if school is out, minors can work up to 40 hours per week. That said, MLS reporter Tom Bogert shared that Sullivan's play did not break any laws. According to Bogert's post on X , MLS was satisfied that Sullivan's participation did comply with the state's law.

Sullivan made his professional debut for Philadelphia with about five minutes remaining in its matchup against New England. At the time of Sullivan's debut, the Union had such a large margin of victory that Curtin decided that it was time to let the youngster play.

And while the decision to play the 14-year-old might have been one that stemmed from the game's circumstances, Curtin believes that the time had come for Sullivan to be unleashed, regardless of age. Speaking to reporters after the win, the head coach explained what went into his decision to play Sullivan, with what he's seen behind the scenes playing the biggest part in the matter.

"We do have a plan for him, it's not just day by day," Curtin said after the game. "You saw him dominate the academy, even playing up three years, you don't see him every day in training. The staff does. The time was right."

Sullivan became the youngest player to debut among the top North American sports leagues including the MLS, MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL and NWSL. Despite how young he is, Sullivan told reporters that after he stepped onto the pitch for the first time, he felt free.

"That first step on the field, all the pressure, all the nerves, all the noise, it disappears," the young phenom said . "It all gets blocked out."

After Sullivan made his debut, former soccer star Freddy Adu - who held the record for the youngest player to make their debut - posted a message of solidarity on his social media accounts. "Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record breaking debut," Adu wrote . "That's a hard record to break and the kid did it. Well done and good luck my man."

The 14-year-old immediately replied to Adu's comments, addressing how he felt knowing a United States soccer legend had acknowledged his accomplishment. "I already reposted on my Instagram," Sullivan added . "It was pretty cool to have words from someone like him, he really paved the way for young guys like me. I only have respect from him... It was awesome to hear from him."