China carries out threat and halts broadcast of LaLiga matches after Mbappé controversy

Chinese state television network CCTV has followed through on its threats to stop broadcasting LaLiga matches due to the controversy surrounding comments made by Frenchman Kylian Mbappé, a forward for Real Madrid, regarding the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

French newspaper 'Le Parisien' reported that Chinese television did not broadcast the first two matches of LaLiga's 11th round over the weekend, despite Kylian Mbappé's apology for his comments earlier this week, and the Chinese response that indicated a serious approach to his apology.

The crisis began after Kylian Mbappé, in a podcast appearance on 'The Bridge', indirectly likened Mao Zedong to a 'dictator', which triggered a wave of anger in China. This led to Chinese companies announcing the termination of their collaborations with the player, before the situation escalated to threats of halting the broadcast of LaLiga matches.

The boycott extends to the Villarreal and RCD Espanyol Barcelona match, held on Friday evening, as well as the Levante and Atlético match, which took place on Saturday afternoon. The newspaper noted that Chinese television had been broadcasting all LaLiga matches live before this crisis, reflecting the impact of Real Madrid star's statements on the broadcasting rights of the competition in the Chinese market.