Camacho warns Mbappe and Real Madrid to seek legal advice over China row

Former China manager Jose Antonio Camacho has advised Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid to appoint experienced lawyers immediately after the forward’s comments about Mao Zedong caused anger in China.

Mbappe referred to the late Chinese leader as a “dictator” in a comment on a satirical post, prompting him to issue a public apology. The incident has raised concerns over the potential impact on Real Madrid and La Liga’s substantial commercial interests in the Asian market.

Camacho, who managed China between 2011 and 2013, discussed the dispute during an appearance on El Partidazo de COPE. The Spaniard also described his own experiences of dealing with Chinese authorities while in charge of the national team.

Although Camacho said he was never given an official list of forbidden subjects, he held regular meetings with senior officials, including China’s sports minister, to explain the way he worked and the football principles he wanted to implement.

“They always tell you that you have to adapt to their rules, their way of working and everything they do,” Camacho said.

“They believe they are the masters of the world in everything, and that is not easy.”

Camacho, who is from Murcia and has also managed Real Madrid and Spain, said he generally agreed to adapt but argued that the authorities also needed to understand the demands of international football.

“Obviously, I would often tell them that I was trying to adapt, but they also had to understand that the China national team was not playing against other Chinese players. They were playing against other national teams,” he said.

“So they were the ones who had to adapt a little as well. They do not fully understand these things.”

Camacho’s advice to Mbappe and Real Madrid

Camacho warned that Chinese authorities could respond decisively when disputes arise and said Mbappe and Real Madrid should prepare for possible escalation.

“They cut ties immediately, and you then have to deal with FIFA, UEFA or any other relevant organisation,” he said.

“When I was coaching there, they invested an enormous amount in football. They wanted everything to move incredibly quickly. And when they get tired, they abandon everything.”

Mbappe later apologised for his comment in an attempt to contain the controversy.

“My comment was unfortunate, and I now realise that it offended many people,” the France international said.

The dispute continues to attract attention because of the commercial importance of the Chinese and wider Asian markets to both Real Madrid and La Liga. Camacho’s warning was based on his experience of the approach taken by Chinese officials during his time as national team manager.