La Liga vows to protect long-standing relationship with China after Mbappe remarks

La Liga and its president Javier Tebas have apologised to Chinese supporters after recent comments by Kylian Mbappe caused offence, stressing that the remarks were made in a personal capacity and do not represent the organisation.

The league said it was apologising on behalf of La Liga and all its clubs, as part of its institutional responsibility.

“Respect, coexistence and fellowship between people from all cultures are core values of Spanish football,” La Liga said. “We reaffirm our respect for China, its institutions and its people, as well as our commitment to the millions of fans who support us every week.”

Tebas said La Liga understood the sensitivity of the Chinese people and regretted the impact of Mbappe’s comments.

“We at La Liga would like to express our deepest regret for the statements made by Kylian Mbappe, which caused displeasure and offence among the Chinese people,” Tebas said.

“We fully understand and respect the sensitivity of the Chinese people, and sincerely regret the harm these statements may have caused. On behalf of La Liga, I would like to convey our apologies to everyone who felt offended.”

Tebas added that respecting peoples, their history, culture and institutions was fundamental to La Liga’s international relationships and the values it represents.

“For many years, we have built a strong relationship of trust, cooperation and friendship with China, its authorities, its sports institutions and its audiovisual bodies,” he said.

“That relationship is especially important with the millions of Chinese fans who follow and enjoy Spanish football. We cannot allow individual statements to damage that relationship, harm the more than 20 clubs involved in our professional competitions, affect our partners or, above all, hurt Chinese fans.”

La Liga said it was taking the steps available to it to address the situation and strengthen the respect and cultural sensitivity expected in any conduct connected with its competitions.

Tebas also reiterated his personal respect for China and its people, and said the league remained determined to develop what it considers strategic, deep and lasting relationships.

“I would like to personally renew our utmost respect for China and its people, and our firm determination to continue strengthening relationships that we consider strategic, profound and lasting,” he said.

“One individual incident cannot put at risk a relationship built over many years, or the bond between Spanish football and millions of Chinese fans.”