Mbappe apologises after comments prompt CCTV ban on Spanish football broadcasts

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has issued a public apology for remarks about a satirical image depicting the Chinese leader, after the comments led China’s state broadcaster to stop showing Spanish football.

China Central Television (CCTV) suspended broadcasts of La Liga matches, along with any games involving Mbappe, because of the controversy surrounding his comments.

In a statement, Mbappe said his remarks had been made during a recent interview in which he was discussing an image of himself.

“During a recent interview, I commented on a picture of me, but my comment was inappropriate,” he said. “I now realise that it hurt the feelings of many people in China and Chinese communities around the world.”

“I apologise to everyone who was upset by my words. That was never my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I express my sincere regret.”

La Liga chief also apologises

Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, has also apologised to the Chinese people on behalf of the organisation over Mbappe’s controversial remarks.

Tebas said he regretted the offence and upset caused by the player’s words, and confirmed that La Liga was working with its partners in China to resolve the situation.

“We recognise the damage this matter has caused, and I would like, on behalf of La Liga, to offer our sincere apologies to the Chinese people,” Tebas said in a message posted on X.

He also stressed that the consequences could extend beyond the player and affect Spanish football more broadly.

“We cannot allow an individual action to damage this relationship or harm more than 20 clubs competing in our professional competitions, as well as millions of Chinese fans,” he added.