Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, issued an apology to the Chinese people following the controversy sparked by Kylian Mbappé’s remarks, announcing league initiatives to contain the fallout on Spanish football.
Tebas stated his position via a message posted on the X platform, coinciding with an official statement from La Liga, after the backlash in China expanded to encompass match broadcasts and commercial partnerships linked to the Real Madrid forward.
“I want to offer our sincere apologies to the Chinese people,” Tebas said, expressing his understanding of the damage caused by the player’s comments and the resentment they provoked.
The La Liga chief noted that the league has built years of cooperation and trust with authorities, sports institutions, broadcasters, and fans in China, emphasizing the necessity of protecting these ties from the fallout of an individual act.
“Our commitment to China, its people, and its institutions remains unwavering,” he added, explaining that the league is working directly with its partners and relevant authorities in the country to overcome the crisis and preserve its relationship with Spanish football supporters.
La Liga announced the development of an awareness and communication protocol in collaboration with clubs and players, aimed at promoting respect for different cultures and preventing similar situations in the future. It also reaffirmed that Mbappé’s statements were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the league.
The crisis stems from the French forward’s comments regarding a meme placing his face onto the body of a figure he described as a “Chinese dictator,” in a reference understood to be associated with Mao Zedong, founder of the People’s Republic of China.
Following the viral spread of the clip, Chinese state television reportedly suspended La Liga broadcasts, and companies Dongpeng, Mengniu, and Milkground terminated their commercial partnerships with Mbappé, before the player himself offered an apology through a separate statement.
