La Liga president Javier Tebas apologises to China over Kylian Mbappe controversy

La Liga president Javier Tebas has apologised to the people of China on behalf of the organisation after comments by Kylian Mbappe relating to a satirical image of the Chinese leader caused offence.

Tebas said he regretted the upset caused by the player’s words and confirmed that La Liga was working with its partners in China to resolve the dispute.

In a message posted on X, Tebas said: “We recognise the damage this has caused, and I would like, on behalf of La Liga, to offer our sincere apologies to the Chinese people.”

He warned that the incident could have consequences for Spanish football as a whole, including the more than 20 clubs involved in Spain’s professional competitions and their large Chinese following.

“We cannot allow an individual action to damage this relationship or harm more than 20 clubs participating in our professional competitions, as well as millions of Chinese fans,” he said.

La Liga in contact with Chinese partners

Tebas highlighted the longstanding links La Liga has established in China, saying the relationship had been built over many years through respect, trust and co-operation with Chinese authorities, sports organisations, television broadcasters and millions of supporters of Spanish football.

He also said the league had already begun taking steps to address the situation, although he did not specify what those measures involved.

“We are taking the measures available to us and working directly with our partners and the relevant parties in China to overcome this crisis,” Tebas said.

The statement also reaffirmed La Liga’s commitment to China, its people and its institutions.

“Our commitment to China, its people and its institutions is firm,” Tebas added. “An individual incident cannot be allowed to damage a relationship that has been built over many years.”