RismadarVoice Reporters
November 2, 2026
China’s state broadcaster, China Central Television (CCTV), has continued its suspension of Spanish La Liga matches despite apologies from Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé, his club and the league over controversial remarks concerning former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
The broadcaster did not televise Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Racing Santander on Sunday, November 1, extending a broadcasting dispute that has attracted widespread attention in China and the international football community.
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the match was absent from both CCTV sports channels, while other fixtures from La Liga’s 11th round were also not broadcast live on Chinese public television.
Real Madrid secured the victory through goals from Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande, continuing their winning run under manager José Mourinho.
The controversy began after a video circulated online showing Mbappé discussing a social media meme depicting his face superimposed on an image resembling Mao.
The French international referred to the historical figure as a Chinese dictator while describing the meme as particularly amusing.
His comments sparked criticism in China, where Mao remains a politically sensitive figure because of his role in establishing the People’s Republic of China in 1949.
China Media Group, which oversees CCTV, subsequently announced the suspension of La Liga broadcasts, demanding apologies from Mbappé, Real Madrid and the Spanish league.
Mbappé later acknowledged that his comments were inappropriate and apologised to those offended.
Real Madrid and La Liga also issued statements expressing regret, while China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that it took the player’s apology seriously.
However, the broadcasting restrictions remained in effect over the weekend, with no confirmed date for the resumption of CCTV coverage.
Some La Liga fixtures remained accessible through Migu, a Chinese digital streaming service, although Real Madrid’s match against Racing Santander was reportedly unavailable there.
The controversy has also affected Mbappé’s commercial relationships, with major Chinese companies, including Mengniu Dairy, Milkground and Dongpeng Beverage, ending sponsorship arrangements with the player.
The development recalls the 2019 dispute between China and the National Basketball Association (NBA), when comments supporting Hong Kong protesters triggered broadcasting restrictions and commercial consequences.
Despite the apologies, the latest developments highlight the continuing intersection of international sports, commercial interests and politically sensitive public statements.
