Chinese state television has reportedly stopped broadcasting La Liga matches following the Kylian Mbappe Mao Zedong joke controversy, creating uncertainty over the Spanish football league’s television coverage in one of its biggest international markets.

The China state TV La Liga ban controversy began after a viral video showed Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe making a joke about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. His comments triggered criticism across Chinese social media and prompted China Media Group (CMG), which oversees state broadcaster CCTV, to announce a suspension of La Liga broadcasts.

Although Mbappe, Real Madrid and La Liga subsequently issued apologies, CCTV’s sports channels did not show the first two Spanish league fixtures played on Saturday. The development has raised questions about whether the apologies will be enough to restore normal broadcasting arrangements.

China state TV skips La Liga matches after Mbappe controversy

The first indication that the broadcasting dispute was continuing came on Saturday when CCTV did not televise Villarreal’s match against Espanyol or Atletico Madrid’s meeting with Levante.

Villarreal suffered a 1-0 defeat against Espanyol, while Atletico Madrid secured a victory against Levante. Both fixtures were played as scheduled, but viewers could not find them on CCTV’s sports channels.

However, the situation does not represent a complete La Liga blackout in China. AFP journalists found live coverage of both matches on Migu, a digital streaming platform owned by state-run telecommunications company China Mobile.

It also remains unclear whether CCTV had originally scheduled the fixtures before cancelling their broadcasts or whether the matches were never included in its television programming.

Three more La Liga matches were scheduled overnight in China, including Barcelona’s fixture. The Catalan club enjoys a substantial following in the country, making the broadcasting situation particularly significant for the competition.

Kylian Mbappe Mao Zedong joke controversy explained

The controversy started after a video from an interview with French programme The Bridge went viral on social media.

During the conversation, Mbappe was asked about the funniest internet meme featuring him. The French forward recalled an edited photograph showing his face superimposed onto the body of a Chinese dictator.

He described the person as “some guy — I think he’s a Chinese dictator”. The image was an apparent reference to a viral meme featuring former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

Although Mbappe did not directly mention Mao’s name, the image made the reference clear to viewers.

His comments quickly attracted criticism from Chinese social media users. Mao remains a sensitive historical and political figure in China, and jokes involving the former leader can trigger strong public reactions.

Mao led the Chinese Communist Party to power and founded the People’s Republic of China in 1949. His rule remains controversial because of the devastating consequences associated with policies such as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution.

The incident consequently developed into a wider controversy involving football, cultural sensitivities and international commercial relationships.

CCTV suspends La Liga broadcasts in China despite apologies

China Media Group, the organisation overseeing CCTV, had announced that it was suspending La Liga broadcasts following the incident.

CMG also made its position clear by describing apologies from Mbappe, Real Madrid and La Liga as an absolute prerequisite for moving beyond the controversy.

Mbappe subsequently apologised for his “ill-judged” comments, acknowledging that his remarks had caused offence.

Real Madrid followed with an apology to Chinese supporters, while La Liga also expressed deep regret over the incident.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the authorities took Mbappe’s apology seriously.

CCTV’s sports website later reported that CMG had acknowledged the apologies. However, it remained unclear whether discussions to resolve the broadcasting dispute had officially started.

The fact that CCTV did not show Saturday’s fixtures suggests that the apologies have not immediately resulted in the restoration of television coverage.

Real Madrid Mbappe apology to Chinese fans: Sponsors take action

The consequences of the controversy have extended beyond football broadcasting.

Several major Chinese companies reportedly ended their commercial relationships with Mbappe following the backlash.

Beverage company Dongpeng, dairy producer Mengniu and Milkground were among the brands that dropped the French superstar.

The developments represent a commercial setback for Mbappe, whose global popularity has made him an attractive ambassador for international brands.

China is an important market for European football clubs, particularly Real Madrid and Barcelona. Both teams have established large supporter bases in the country through their sporting success and international popularity.

Losing commercial opportunities in such a market could create difficulties for players and organisations looking to maintain strong relationships with Chinese audiences.

La Liga broadcasting suspension China 2026: NBA controversy offers a reminder

The latest La Liga broadcasting suspension China 2026 controversy also brings back memories of the NBA’s dispute with China in 2019.

At that time, Daryl Morey, who was Houston Rockets general manager, posted a message supporting Hong Kong protesters. His comments triggered a major backlash in China, leading to a breakdown in several commercial and broadcasting relationships.

Chinese state television stopped airing NBA games for approximately a year, demonstrating how politically sensitive controversies can affect international sporting competitions.

La Liga now faces questions about whether its relationship with Chinese broadcasters will return to normal.

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho said on Saturday that the club had “done our part” to put the controversy behind them.

However, there is currently no confirmed timetable for CCTV to resume La Liga broadcasts. While Migu continues to provide an alternative platform for viewers, the future of state television coverage remains uncertain.

The coming days will be important for Mbappe, Real Madrid and La Liga as they attempt to move beyond the incident and rebuild confidence among Chinese supporters.

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