Tebas meets Chinese ambassador as Mbappe controversy threatens La Liga broadcasts

Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, has met China’s ambassador to Spain in an urgent attempt to contain the backlash involving Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe.

The controversy began after a widely circulated video appeared to show Mbappe joking about Mao Zedong, the late Chinese leader. The footage prompted widespread anger in China, with the France international accused of offending national sentiment and crossing accepted boundaries when referring to historical figures.

La Liga and Tebas responded quickly after the announcement that broadcasts of Spanish league matches in China had been suspended. The decision represents a significant financial loss for the league.

Tebas issued an apology to China only a few hours after the controversy emerged. He then confirmed on the evening of 01 November 2026 that he had held talks with the Chinese ambassador to Spain in an effort to find a way through the dispute.

“I met today with the Chinese ambassador to Spain to discuss the situation arising from Kylian Mbappe’s comments and to explore solutions to overcome this incident,” Tebas wrote on X.

“Over the past few years, La Liga has worked closely with the Chinese authorities, football governing bodies, broadcasters and companies to promote the growth and popularity of Spanish football in China, while also contributing to the development of Chinese football through the exchange of our expertise and resources.”

Tebas said he hoped existing partnerships would remain in place, highlighting the strategic agreement with the Chinese Professional Football League, which runs until 2029, as well as arrangements with China Media Group (CMG) and other joint projects.

“We hope that our cooperation agreements, particularly the strategic agreement with the Chinese Professional Football League extending until 2029, the agreements with China Media Group (CMG), and other joint projects, will continue to succeed and contribute to the growth of Chinese football while introducing millions of fans to our competitions,” he added.

He also stressed the importance of protecting the relationship between La Liga and China.

“This is a relationship built on mutual respect, trust and cooperation, and we must continue to preserve and strengthen it,” Tebas said.

“We are committed to continuing to work together to ensure that an isolated incident does not jeopardise the significant progress we have made or affect the millions of Chinese fans who follow our competitions.”

Tebas ended his statement by reaffirming China’s importance to the Spanish league.

“China is a strategic partner for La Liga and will remain so,” he said.