Movistar fires Burgos after controversial comment about Yamal

The Spanish television channel Movistar Plus+ announced on Thursday the end of its collaboration with Germán Burgos, following a controversial comment by the former assistant coach of Atlético Madrid about Lamine Yamal that prompted a boycott by Barcelona and PSG on Wednesday.

The controversy arose after the commentator said, "If football doesn't work out for him, he could end up working in traffic," while the 16-year-old Barcelona player was performing tricks during the warm-up for the match against the French champions in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

These words were deemed racist and elitist by both clubs, who refused to speak to the channel at the end of the match, leading Movistar to make the decision to sever ties with the Argentine coach.

Even before this decision was made public, Burgos, who had already apologized for his comment live on air to the broadcaster, furthered his statement with a post on social media, in which he argued that he never intended to be racist towards the player.

"I make this statement to reiterate my apologies for my words on yesterday's program. It was not my intention to hurt Lamine Yamal in any way, the people of Barcelona, the players, UEFA, or the Movistar Plus+ platform, where I work. In making my comment, I chose to play with his quality and highlight his virtues, never focusing on ethnicity or social class.

After so many years in football, it moves me to see young academy players. I particularly admire the quantity of new talents at Barça because I believe that quality always triumphs in the end. I am a coach who advocates for youth development, and in every team I have been in, I have made an effort to bring young players to train with the first team," he emphasized.

"I apologize to all those who were offended by my comment. My intention was not to abandon Lamine Yamal, quite the opposite. Football brings everything and everyone together, which is why it is the best sport, as it does not discriminate based on gender, race, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation. That's what I believe in! See you in football," he concluded.

If Alonso is not good enough for Real, then who is?

Philipp Lahm has come to the defense of his former teammate Xabi Alonso. The Basque was dismissed earlier this year by Real Madrid, and Lahm sees the coaching job at Los Blancos as the ultimate challenge in world football.

Value betting explained with examples from AI probabilities

A clear, example-driven guide to value betting using AI probabilities, showing how to convert odds into implied probabilities, spot positive expected value, size stakes responsibly, and avoid common traps.

FIFA Reports Record Demand for World Cup 2026 Tickets

FIFA says World Cup 2026 received 150 million ticket requests in 15 days, highlighting unprecedented demand, sparking debate on pricing and accessibility, and setting expectations for a highly competitive allocation process across the three host nations.

How odds move and what AI can learn from bookmakers

Learn why football odds move, what drives bookmaker price changes from opening to closing lines, and how AI models can use odds and line movement without leakage.

The best data sources for AI soccer predictions

A practical guide to the best data sources for AI soccer predictions, covering event data, tracking data, odds, injuries, and open datasets, plus how to choose, validate, and combine them.

Liverpool confirm Alexander Isak suffers broken leg and undergoes surgery

Ankle surgery for Alexander Isak will keep the Liverpool striker out for an undefined period after he suffered a fibula fracture in the win at Tottenham.

Expected goals explained and how AI uses xG to predict results

Understand expected goals (xG) from first principles and see how AI uses xG, shot quality, and team context to predict football results with stronger accuracy and calibration.

Machine learning vs human intuition in match forecasting

Compare machine learning and human intuition in match forecasting, examining strengths, blind spots, and why a hybrid approach often delivers the most dependable predictions.

How AI Is Changing Football Predictions in 2026

Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming football predictions through richer data, smarter models, real-time context, and stronger transparency and governance.

Alavés pay a very high price for reaching the round of sixteen

Alavés beat Sevilla to reach the Copa del Rey round of sixteen, but injuries to Jonny Otto and Lucas Boyé threaten their plans ahead of the Osasuna clash.

Top Countries

News and Articles

Expected goals explained and how AI uses xG to predict results

Understand expected goals (xG) from first principles and see how AI uses xG, shot quality, and team context to predict football results with stronger accuracy and calibration.

Machine learning vs human intuition in match forecasting

Compare machine learning and human intuition in match forecasting, examining strengths, blind spots, and why a hybrid approach often delivers the most dependable predictions.

Mbappé goes after reporter after four goal haul in the Champions League

Real Madrid’s forward scored four goals in a win over Olympiacos and, at the end of the game, was asked whether his team depends too much on him. Mbappé did not like the question.

Value betting explained with examples from AI probabilities

French club emerges as the favorite for the loan

Real Madrid are preparing to loan out Endrick in January, with Lyon emerging as the frontrunner. The striker seeks regular minutes to regain form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

How AI Is Changing Football Predictions in 2026

Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming football predictions through richer data, smarter models, real-time context, and stronger transparency and governance.