Chinese state television has suspended La Liga broadcasts after a video involving Kylian Mbappé triggered a backlash over remarks about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
The decision was announced by China Media Group (CMG), which oversees state broadcaster CCTV. The suspension covers Spanish league matches, while advertisements featuring the Real Madrid forward have also been withdrawn.
The move has widened a controversy that has already cost the France captain several commercial partnerships in China.
What Sparked the Backlash?
The controversy began after a video circulated online showing Mbappé discussing internet memes about himself.
In the clip, he appeared to describe a meme featuring his face superimposed on the body of a man he believed was a Chinese dictator. The image appeared to depict Mao, the founder of the People’s Republic of China.
The video’s authenticity could not immediately be independently verified by AFP Fact Check. However, it spread widely online and prompted criticism from Chinese social media users.
Mao remains a sensitive figure in China. Jokes about the former leader are widely viewed as disrespectful by many people.
Broadcaster Demands Apologies
CMG said the decision to suspend La Liga broadcasts had been made on Monday. It also called for apologies from Mbappé, Real Madrid and the Spanish league.
The broadcaster described those apologies as “an absolute prerequisite” for further discussions.
Mbappé issued an apology on Tuesday, acknowledging that his comment had been poorly judged.
“My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world,” he said.
He also expressed regret to those who had been upset and reaffirmed his respect for Chinese people and their history. La Liga issued a separate apology, saying it deeply regretted the offence caused to Chinese fans by the player’s remarks.
Sponsors End Their Partnerships
The controversy has also spread into the commercial world.
Chinese beverage company Dongpeng announced that it was ending its cooperation with Mbappé, citing its opposition to conduct that offends national sentiment.
Dairy producer Mengniu also terminated its partnership with the footballer. Reports indicated that other Chinese companies had taken similar steps.
The decisions mark a significant setback for a player who has featured prominently in advertising campaigns across China.
The episode shows how quickly an online controversy can affect international sports sponsorships, particularly in markets where public sentiment carries considerable commercial weight.
Football Caught in a Wider Dispute
The suspension creates uncertainty for Chinese viewers who follow Spanish football. La Liga is among the world's leading domestic competitions, featuring clubs such as Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The dispute also raises questions about how broadcasters and sports organisations respond when a player's public remarks trigger political or cultural sensitivities.
Mbappé has apologised, and La Liga has expressed regret. However, CMG's demand also includes an apology from Real Madrid.
It remains unclear when broadcasts will resume. For now, the controversy has extended beyond the original video, affecting television coverage, advertising and the player's commercial relationships in China.
