Tebas Holds Talks With China To Defuse Mbappe Controversy
La Liga president Javier Tebas has said he is engaging Chinese authorities in diplomatic talks to resolve the controversy surrounding Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe’s comments about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
The row has strained relations between Spanish football and China, with state broadcaster CCTV refusing to show any La Liga matches over the weekend, including Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Racing Santander on Sunday.
The controversy erupted after a video clip from an interview with French programme The Bridge circulated online, showing Mbappe joking about an internet meme featuring his face superimposed on Mao Zedong.
The French international reportedly described Mao as “some guy” who he believed was a Chinese dictator, triggering widespread criticism in China, where public mockery of the former leader remains highly sensitive.
Mbappe, Real Madrid and La Liga subsequently issued apologies following the backlash.
Speaking at the World in Progress forum in Barcelona on Monday, Tebas said he was hopeful the situation would improve through continued engagement with Chinese officials.
“For now, we wait and see how the situation develops… because given how events have unfolded, everything depends on things calming down a bit, on all the mess easing,” he said.
“There will be ongoing dialogue. I’m speaking with the Chinese authorities, both in Madrid and in Beijing, and we’re going to wait.”
Tebas disclosed that he had met Chinese ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing, last week as part of efforts to address the dispute.
He also pointed to the longstanding relationship between La Liga and Chinese sporting and political institutions, expressing confidence that existing partnerships could help restore normal relations.
“We’ve had a strategy for several years now with the political and sporting authorities in China,” he explained.
Tebas also recalled his previous meetings with senior Chinese officials, including Chinese State Councillor Shen Yiqin, who visited Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy in February alongside Barcelona president Joan Laporta.
He further highlighted La Liga’s relationship with China Media Group, the parent organisation of CCTV, saying the two sides had maintained a strong working relationship.
“With the president of China Media Group, we have a good agreement. He’s been to La Liga, I’ve met with him. Every time I travel to Beijing, I have a meeting with him,” Tebas added.
China previously suspended its relationship with the NBA for several years from 2019 following a controversial tweet by then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey expressing support for Hong Kong protesters.
However, Tebas said he remained optimistic that the current dispute involving Mbappe would not result in a prolonged breakdown in relations.
“I’m going to travel, talk, and keep talking with the Chinese authorities. We’ll try everything possible to normalise the situation as much as we can,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mbappe found the net in Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Racing Santander on Sunday, a result that moved the Spanish giants within three points of La Liga leaders Barcelona.
The row has strained relations between Spanish football and China, with state broadcaster CCTV refusing to show any La Liga matches over the weekend, including Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Racing Santander on Sunday.
The controversy erupted after a video clip from an interview with French programme The Bridge circulated online, showing Mbappe joking about an internet meme featuring his face superimposed on Mao Zedong.
The French international reportedly described Mao as “some guy” who he believed was a Chinese dictator, triggering widespread criticism in China, where public mockery of the former leader remains highly sensitive.
Mbappe, Real Madrid and La Liga subsequently issued apologies following the backlash.
Speaking at the World in Progress forum in Barcelona on Monday, Tebas said he was hopeful the situation would improve through continued engagement with Chinese officials.
“For now, we wait and see how the situation develops… because given how events have unfolded, everything depends on things calming down a bit, on all the mess easing,” he said.
“There will be ongoing dialogue. I’m speaking with the Chinese authorities, both in Madrid and in Beijing, and we’re going to wait.”
Tebas disclosed that he had met Chinese ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing, last week as part of efforts to address the dispute.
He also pointed to the longstanding relationship between La Liga and Chinese sporting and political institutions, expressing confidence that existing partnerships could help restore normal relations.
“We’ve had a strategy for several years now with the political and sporting authorities in China,” he explained.
Tebas also recalled his previous meetings with senior Chinese officials, including Chinese State Councillor Shen Yiqin, who visited Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy in February alongside Barcelona president Joan Laporta.
He further highlighted La Liga’s relationship with China Media Group, the parent organisation of CCTV, saying the two sides had maintained a strong working relationship.
“With the president of China Media Group, we have a good agreement. He’s been to La Liga, I’ve met with him. Every time I travel to Beijing, I have a meeting with him,” Tebas added.
China previously suspended its relationship with the NBA for several years from 2019 following a controversial tweet by then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey expressing support for Hong Kong protesters.
However, Tebas said he remained optimistic that the current dispute involving Mbappe would not result in a prolonged breakdown in relations.
“I’m going to travel, talk, and keep talking with the Chinese authorities. We’ll try everything possible to normalise the situation as much as we can,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mbappe found the net in Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Racing Santander on Sunday, a result that moved the Spanish giants within three points of La Liga leaders Barcelona.
