Javier Tebas holds talks with China over Kylian Mbappe Mao controversy

LaLiga president Javier Tebas is in discussions with Chinese officials as he attempts to resolve a dispute caused by comments made by Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV did not show any La Liga matches over the weekend, while Real Madrid’s 3-0 win against Racing Santander on Sunday was also missing from the country’s pay-television coverage.

The dispute began after Mbappe appeared on French programme The Bridge and joked about an internet meme that superimposed his face on an image of Mao. Referring to the former leader, Mbappe said: “Some guy, think he’s a Chinese dictator.”

The remark prompted a backlash in China, where mocking references to Mao are particularly sensitive. Mbappe, Real Madrid and La Liga have since apologised.

Tebas said he had been speaking to Chinese officials in the hope of restoring normal relations.

“We’ve had ongoing dialogue. I’m speaking with the Chinese authorities, both in Madrid and in Beijing, and we’re going to wait,” he said at the World in Progress forum in Barcelona.

The La Liga president also met Yao Jing, the Chinese ambassador to Spain, last week. Tebas said the established links between Spanish football and China offered grounds for optimism as efforts continued to settle the dispute.

“We’ll try everything possible to normalise the situation as much as we can,” he added, confirming that he planned to continue travelling and meeting Chinese officials.

La Liga’s links with China

La Liga has built close relationships with Chinese sporting and political authorities over a number of years. Those ties include an agreement with China Media Group, the parent organisation of CCTV.

Tebas recognised the seriousness of the situation but said he remained hopeful that an agreement could be reached.

“I think that the relationship between Spain and China, and between La Liga and China, is very strong,” he said.

While the dispute continues, Mbappe scored in Real Madrid’s victory over Racing Santander. The result left Real Madrid three points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Neither CCTV’s decision to leave La Liga matches off its schedule nor the absence of Real Madrid’s game from Chinese pay television has been linked by officials to the controversy in the statements provided, but the developments followed the apologies issued by Mbappe, Real Madrid and La Liga.