French federation president defends Mbappé after China controversy

Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, has defended Kylian Mbappé, star of Real Madrid and the French national team, following the controversy surrounding his comments about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

Diallo stated, in remarks reported by the newspaper "Ouest-France", that: "This controversy should not last long because I believe Kylian explained well in what context his intervention came."

The president of the French federation added: "He has apologized, and I think we should leave it at that from now on, so he can continue his season in the best possible conditions."

The beginning of the crisis dates back to an interview where Mbappé was asked about his favorite funny image. He responded that he laughs a lot at a picture that used his face in a meme of a Chinese leader, mentioning that he shares it often with his friends, describing him as a dictator.

Mao Zedong, the founder of the Chinese Communist Party and former president of the People's Republic of China, is at the center of a crisis whose repercussions have extended to the broadcasting of LaLiga matches in China. This situation has also resulted in the cancellation of several sponsorship agreements between Kylian Mbappé and China, as well as the cancellation of Real Madrid matches in the country.

Diallo's statements come as part of efforts to contain the controversy surrounding Mbappé, emphasizing the need to move past the crisis after the player apologized and giving him the opportunity to focus on his football commitments in the upcoming period.