La Liga's commercial relationships in China have come under scrutiny following the controversy surrounding Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has found himself at the centre of a backlash in China after comments made during an interview sparked widespread criticism.
The fallout has extended beyond Mbappe, with the suspension of La Liga broadcasts in China raising concerns about the league's wider commercial relationships in the market.
With the fallout continuing, La Liga president Javier Tebas has moved to address the situation directly, holding talks with China’s ambassador to Spain in an attempt to prevent the dispute from escalating further.
Javier Tebas meets Chinese ambassador over Mbappe controversy
Tebas confirmed on Tuesday that he had met Chinese ambassador Yao Jing to discuss the controversy surrounding Mbappe and explore possible ways to resolve the situation.
"Today I held a meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Spain to address the situation caused by Kylian Mbappe’s statements and seek solutions that will allow us to overcome this episode," Tebas said.
The controversy originated during an interview on The Bridge, when Mbappe discussed a meme featuring his face superimposed onto an image of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
The comments prompted a significant reaction in China, with state broadcaster CCTV suspending La Liga coverage and removing promotional material featuring the French international.
Three Chinese companies have also reportedly ended their sponsorship relationships with Mbappe, highlighting the potential commercial consequences of the controversy.
For La Liga, the situation presents a challenge that extends beyond one player’s public image. China represents an important international market for Spanish football, with broadcasting agreements and commercial partnerships helping the league expand its global audience.
Tebas will therefore be keen to ensure that the situation does not jeopardise relationships built over several years. One particularly important agreement is La Liga’s partnership with the Chinese Professional Football League, which is understood to run until 2029.
The meeting with Yao Jing forms part of La Liga's wider response to the controversy. The league has also apologised to Chinese fans, reaffirmed its respect for China and pledged to develop a cultural-awareness and communication protocol with its clubs and players.
How the Mbappe controversy could affect Real Madrid and La Liga in China
Mbappe has since issued a public apology, acknowledging that his comments were ill-judged and expressing regret for the offence caused.
However, it remains unclear whether the apology will be enough to resolve the situation or whether further consequences could follow.
While the immediate impact has centred on Mbappe’s individual sponsorship agreements, there are questions over whether the controversy could affect Real Madrid’s commercial relationships or wider standing in the Chinese market.
The distinction is important. Although Mbappe is one of the club’s most recognisable international stars, the reported withdrawal of personal sponsors does not automatically mean Real Madrid will face similar action.
Nevertheless, the forward’s global profile makes the situation significant for the Spanish giants. His performances on the pitch have helped establish him as a central figure in the club’s sporting project, while his commercial appeal extends far beyond Spain.
La Liga also has an interest in ensuring the dispute does not overshadow the competition itself. The league continues to pursue international audiences and partnerships, making the protection of established relationships an important consideration.
Tebas’ discussions with the Chinese ambassador represent an attempt to contain the fallout before it develops into a more serious issue for Spanish football.
Whether those talks will be enough to restore normality remains to be seen. For now, the priority for La Liga will be to protect its partnerships in China while allowing the controversy surrounding Mbappe to be resolved without further damage to the league’s international business interests.
