China and Real Madrid Resolve Broadcasting Blackout Issue
Monday, November 2, 2026 · 2 days ago
The controversy surrounding Mbappe's remarks centered on his comments about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, a revered figure who led the Chinese Communist Party to victory in the civil war and founded the People's Republic of China.
Mbappe, Real Madrid, and La Liga later apologized for his comments, and China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it took the player's apology "seriously." As a result, Real Madrid's win over Racing Santander was not broadcast on TV, as the nationwide blackout of La Liga games continued.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has also become involved in the situation, holding discussions with China's ambassador to Spain as the issue becomes a major commercial concern.
The China Media Group (CMG), which oversees CCTV, stated that apologies from La Liga, Mbappe, and Real Madrid were "an absolute prerequisite" to move forward.
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho was asked about the situation at his pre-match press conference on Saturday and chose his words carefully, stating, "This situation with China highlights the dangers of today's world, where often the best thing to do is to keep your mouth shut because there's a risk in so many of the things you say and comment on, but I've seen him act very responsibly and with a very big, classy club. As far as we're concerned, that's it; there's nothing more for us to do."
Real Madrid's win over Racing Santander was not broadcast on TV, as the nationwide blackout of La Liga games continued.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has also become involved in the situation, holding discussions with China's ambassador to Spain as the issue becomes a major commercial concern.
