Chinese state television keeps La Liga off air despite Mbappé, Real Madrid and league apologies over Mao Zedong joke
Chinese state television did not broadcast the first La Liga matches on Saturday since Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé triggered a major backlash in China by joking about a meme depicting him as former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
CCTV’s sports channels did not show Villarreal’s 1-0 defeat to Espanyol or Atlético Madrid’s victory over Levante, despite apologies from Mbappé, Real Madrid and La Liga over the controversy.
China Media Group, which oversees CCTV, announced earlier this week that it was suspending broadcasts of Spain’s top football league following the circulation of a video in which Mbappé discussed his favorite internet meme.
In the clip, the French captain said the meme that amused him most showed his face superimposed on “some guy — I think he’s a Chinese dictator,” an apparent reference to Mao. Mbappé did not name Mao directly.
Mbappé later apologized for what he called an “ill-judged” remark, while Real Madrid and La Liga issued separate apologies. China’s Foreign Ministry said it took the player’s apology seriously.
The apologies, however, have not yet restored La Liga to CCTV.
The matches remained available on Migu, an online streaming service owned by state-controlled China Mobile, meaning the suspension has so far affected CCTV rather than eliminating all access to La Liga in China.
The controversy has also hit Mbappé commercially. Major Chinese brands including Mengniu and Dongpeng have ended partnerships with the French star, while his accounts have faced restrictions on Chinese social-media platforms.
Real Madrid coach José Mourinho said Friday that Mbappé and the club had responded appropriately and that they considered the controversy addressed.
China represents one of European football’s largest overseas markets, making the dispute a significant commercial issue for Real Madrid and La Liga as they seek to repair relations with Chinese broadcasters, sponsors and supporters.