SNOW TV NEWS DESK
China’s state broadcaster, China Central Television (CCTV), has refused to broadcast Real Madrid’s La Liga fixture despite an apology from French football star Kylian Mbappé over controversial remarks involving former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
According to the BBC, the decision was enforced on Sunday when Real Madrid faced Racing Santander, securing a 3-0 victory through goals from Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Yan Diomande.
The controversy began after Mbappé reportedly made a joke during an appearance on French talk show The Bridge, describing a meme featuring his face superimposed on the image of a Chinese dictator resembling Mao as the funniest meme he had seen.
His comments triggered widespread criticism in China, where Mao remains a sensitive historical and political figure.
Following the backlash, China Media Group (CMG), CCTV’s parent organization, announced on October 27 that it would suspend broadcasts of Spanish La Liga matches.
Mbappé subsequently apologized, admitting that his remarks were inappropriate and acknowledging that they had offended people in China and Chinese communities worldwide.
China’s Foreign Ministry said it took the apology seriously, while Real Madrid and La Liga also issued apologies over the incident.
However, CMG had previously described apologies from Mbappé, Real Madrid, and La Liga as an absolute prerequisite for resolving the dispute. Despite acknowledging the apologies, the broadcaster has not announced when coverage of the Spanish league will resume.
The controversy has reportedly affected Mbappé’s commercial relationships, with several Chinese brands dropping him from their promotional campaigns.
Mao, who founded the People’s Republic of China in 1949, died in 1976. His leadership was marked by major political campaigns, including the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, which resulted in widespread famine, persecution, and violence.
China has previously suspended international sports broadcasts over political disagreements. In 2019, Chinese broadcasters stopped airing NBA games following a social media post by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey expressing support for Hong Kong protesters.
SNOW TV EDITORIAL ANALYSIS
The decision by Chinese state television highlights the growing intersection between international sports, politics, and commercial interests. Although Mbappé has apologized, the broadcaster’s continued suspension suggests that public apologies do not automatically resolve controversies involving sensitive national and historical issues.
For international sports personalities, the incident is a reminder that their public comments can have consequences beyond the football pitch, particularly in commercially important markets such as China.
However, the situation also raises questions about the influence of political sensitivities on sporting relationships and broadcasting decisions.
Ultimately, football’s global appeal depends on its ability to connect people across cultural and political boundaries. Sports organizations and athletes must exercise cultural awareness, while broadcasters should consider the wider implications of allowing political disputes to overshadow sporting entertainment.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
