Real Madrid matches remain absent from major football broadcasts in China despite apologies from the Spanish giants and their forward, Kylian Mbappé, over controversial remarks involving former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

China’s ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing, on Friday said the Chinese government was maintaining communication with Real Madrid, LaLiga and other Spanish institutions to address the controversy, but stressed that the situation required time to resolve, Blueprint reports.

Speaking to Spanish news agency EFE ahead of the Salamanca Forum at the University of Salamanca, Yao said the incident had hurt the feelings of many people in China.

“This unfortunate incident hurt the feelings of many people in China, who need time to process the current situation,” the ambassador said.

He explained that although communication was ongoing, there were no formal negotiations to end the dispute.

“There are no negotiations, but there is communication, based on mutual understanding,” he added.

The diplomatic intervention comes after Chinese state broadcaster CCTV suspended LaLiga transmissions following the controversy, leaving Chinese football supporters unable to watch the Spanish league through the broadcaster despite the apologies issued by the club, the player and the league.

How Mbappé sparked the controversy

The dispute began after a video circulated online showing Mbappé discussing one of his favourite internet memes during an interview.

The meme featured the French forward’s face superimposed on an image of Mao Zedong, the former Chinese leader who governed the country from 1949 until his death in 1976.

While discussing the image, Mbappé described the figure as “some guy” whom he thought was a Chinese dictator.

Although he did not expressly mention Mao by name, the image was identifiable, and his description triggered criticism in China.

The remarks attracted particular attention because Mao remains a highly significant and sensitive historical figure in the country’s political and national identity.

The reaction quickly extended beyond social media, with commercial partners and football broadcasting institutions taking steps in response to the controversy.

Mbappé, Real Madrid apologise

Following the backlash, Mbappé issued an apology, acknowledging that his remarks had been ill-judged and had offended people in China and Chinese communities around the world.

In his statement, published in French, Chinese and English, the forward said he understood that his comments had hurt many people and expressed regret.

He also reaffirmed his respect for the Chinese people and their history.

Real Madrid subsequently issued an official statement apologising to the Chinese people for the discomfort caused by the player’s comments.

The club emphasised its respect for China’s history, culture and citizens, as well as the millions of Chinese supporters who have followed and supported the Spanish side over the years.

LaLiga also apologised over the incident and sought to address the concerns raised by Chinese authorities.

China Media Group, which oversees CCTV, confirmed receiving the apologies but did not announce when broadcasts would resume.

CCTV suspends LaLiga coverage

The controversy has had direct consequences for Spanish football’s television presence in China.

CCTV suspended its LaLiga broadcasts after the comments, with the decision affecting coverage of the Spanish league beyond Real Madrid matches.

The impact was also visible on Migu, a digital streaming platform owned by state-controlled China Mobile.

Although Migu continued showing some other Spanish league matches, Real Madrid’s November 1 fixture against Racing Santander was not available on the platform.

The distinction is important: the suspension of LaLiga coverage by CCTV and the absence of Real Madrid matches from Migu have affected the availability of Spanish football in China, but reports have not established that every LaLiga match has been removed from every Chinese streaming service.

The situation has raised concerns about the commercial consequences for Real Madrid and LaLiga, given the popularity of Spanish football in the Chinese market.

Chinese diplomats urge patience

Yao’s comments on Friday suggested that the apologies had not immediately resolved the concerns.

The ambassador expressed confidence that the matter could eventually be addressed through dialogue and mutual respect, but did not provide a timetable for the restoration of broadcasts.

Another Chinese diplomatic official, Xie Tianyu, who accompanied Yao to Salamanca, also stressed that the Chinese public needed time to process the incident.

He noted that Real Madrid had enjoyed considerable affection and support among Chinese football fans, making the controversy particularly difficult for many supporters.

The remarks indicate that the issue is not being treated simply as a disagreement between a footballer and his supporters, but as a matter that has attracted wider public and diplomatic attention.

Commercial implications for Real Madrid and LaLiga

The dispute could have significant commercial implications for Spanish football if the broadcasting restrictions continue.

China represents an important international market for LaLiga, with millions of potential viewers and commercial opportunities for clubs, broadcasters and sponsors.

According to Reuters, LaLiga’s broadcasting arrangements with CCTV and Migu run until the 2029/2030 season, with the current agreements reportedly worth approximately €10 million annually.

The value is considerably lower than the peak of about €100 million annually previously associated with the market, but China remains an important part of the league’s international broadcasting strategy.

The controversy has also affected Mbappé’s commercial relationships, with three Chinese companies reportedly ending sponsorship agreements with the French forward following the backlash.

For Real Madrid, the situation presents a challenge involving one of its most prominent players and a market where the club has built a substantial following over many years.

No date for return of broadcasts

Despite the apologies and ongoing communication between the parties, no date has been announced for the resumption of LaLiga broadcasts on CCTV or the return of Real Madrid matches to the affected Chinese platforms.

Yao’s latest comments suggest that discussions will continue, although the Chinese side is not prepared to treat the matter as resolved simply because apologies have been issued.

For now, Real Madrid and LaLiga face an uncertain broadcasting situation in China as they seek to restore relations with the country’s media institutions and supporters.

The episode also highlights how comments made by prominent football personalities can extend beyond the pitch, affecting international relationships, commercial partnerships and the global reach of the sport.