Kylian  Mbappé receives backing from French FA chief after China controversy

French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo has defended Kylian Mbappé after comments by the Real Madrid forward about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong sparked a diplomatic dispute and reportedly cost him several sponsorship deals in China.

The France captain, 27, has faced strong criticism in China after referring to Mao as a “dictator” during an appearance on The Bridge. The clip went viral on Monday night, triggering a backlash that has affected the forward’s commercial standing in the country.

China’s state-owned television channels have also begun withdrawing La Liga matches involving Real Madrid amid the controversy.

Diallo, however, believes the incident has been blown out of proportion and has urged people to move on following Mbappé’s apology.

Diallo insists Mbappé did not intend to cause offence

Speaking to French newspaper Ouest-France, the FFF president said he did not believe the forward intended to damage the reputation of a Chinese leader or offend the country’s population.

“I have seen this controversy, which is certainly a bit too big. I don’t think that Kylian wanted, in any way, to damage the image of a Chinese leader nor offend or annoy the Chinese people,” he said.

Diallo’s comments come as Mbappé, Real Madrid and La Liga attempt to manage the fallout from the remarks.

Real Madrid and La Liga have distanced themselves from the comments, while Mbappé has issued an apology. A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Affairs Minister said the apology was being “taken seriously”.

FFF chief hopes controversy will end

Diallo also expressed hope that the dispute would not continue to overshadow Mbappé’s performances on the pitch.

“I think that, in any case, it isn’t a controversy that will last, or at least I hope that it won’t. I think that Kylian has explained very well the context in which the comment was made. He has apologised. I think we have to leave it there so that he can continue his season in the best conditions.”

The FFF president’s intervention offers public support for the France captain as the controversy continues to affect his relationship with Chinese audiences and commercial partners.