Chinese state television has suspended broadcasts of Spanish La Liga matches following controversial remarks by Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
According to AFP, China Media Group announced the decision on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, after a video featuring the French international circulated online.
The state-owned media organisation, which oversees CCTV, also suspended advertisements featuring the footballer.
The decision follows criticism of Mbappé’s remarks, which reportedly offended sections of the Chinese public.
China demands apology over Mbappé controversy
China Media Group disclosed that the suspension decision had been taken on Monday.
The organisation demanded apologies from Mbappé, Real Madrid and La Liga before considering discussions about restoring broadcasts.
The controversy also affected Mbappé’s commercial relationships with Chinese companies.
Major brands, including beverage manufacturer Dongpeng, reportedly ended their association with the France captain.
The development has created uncertainty surrounding La Liga’s television coverage in China, one of the international markets for European football.
Mbappé apologises as La Liga faces backlash
Responding to the criticism, Mbappé issued a statement on Tuesday acknowledging the impact of his comments.
He described his remarks as inappropriate and admitted that they had offended people in China.
The forward said he understood that his comments “hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world”.
La Liga also issued a separate apology, expressing regret over the controversy involving the Real Madrid star.
However, China Media Group had not announced the restoration of broadcasts at the time of the report.
The development highlights the commercial consequences football personalities can face when public remarks generate international controversy.
Real Madrid and La Liga will now await further developments concerning their broadcasting arrangements in China.
