Business · Malaysia Bureau
Chinese state broadcaster halts La Liga coverage over Mbappe remark
China Central Television has suspended broadcasts of Spain's top football league following comments made by Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe about Chinese history. Both the player and La Liga have since issued apologies.
LSN Malaysia ·
Chinese state television has pulled the plug on La Liga broadcasts in response to remarks made by Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe regarding Mao Zedong, marking an escalation in tensions between Beijing and the Spanish football league.
The suspension by China Central Television (CCTV) came after Mbappe's comments drew criticism from Chinese audiences and state media. The French striker subsequently described his remarks as "ill-judged," acknowledging the misstep during what is typically a sensitive subject matter in China.
La Liga released a formal apology addressing the controversy, seeking to repair relations with the Chinese market, which represents significant commercial opportunities for European football. The league has worked to maintain broadcasting partnerships and fan engagement across Asia, making the CCTV suspension a notable setback.
Mbappe's apology underscores the complexities athletes face when navigating international audiences and cultural sensitivities. The incident reflects broader challenges for global sports organisations operating in markets where political and historical topics carry considerable weight.
No timeline has been announced for the resumption of La Liga broadcasts on CCTV, leaving Spanish football's reach in China uncertain as the controversy continues to reverberate.