La Liga Seeks Dialogue with China After Mbappe Controversy
La Liga president Javier Tebas says the Spanish league is in contact with Chinese officials as it works to ease tensions following comments by Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
The remarks triggered a backlash in China. Mbappe, Real Madrid and La Liga have since apologised. The fallout has also affected the league’s visibility: Chinese state broadcaster CCTV did not show a La Liga match over the weekend, and Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Racing Santander was unavailable on Chinese pay television.
Tebas Says Talks Are Under Way
Speaking at the World in Progress forum in Barcelona, Tebas said the league was keeping communication open with Chinese authorities in Madrid and Beijing. He said La Liga would give the situation time to settle while continuing to work toward restoring normal relations.
Tebas also pointed to existing ties between China and Spanish football. He met Chinese ambassador to Spain Yao Jing the previous week and described the league’s relationships with Chinese sporting and media officials as longstanding.
La Liga has previously hosted senior Chinese officials at Barcelona’s La Masia academy, where Tebas and club president Joan Laporta met a delegation led by Chinese State Councillor Shen Yiqin. Tebas said he had also maintained regular contact with China Media Group, CCTV’s parent organisation.
Broadcast Dispute Adds Pressure
The current dispute comes against the backdrop of earlier tensions between China and international sport. China’s broadcast relationship with the NBA was disrupted for several years after a 2019 social media post by then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey supporting Hong Kong protesters.
Tebas said he remained hopeful that dialogue could help improve the situation. Mbappe scored in Madrid’s win over Racing Santander, which left Real Madrid three points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.
Source: CNA. Photo: AFP/Ander Gillenea.
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