La Liga president meets Chinese ambassador as Kylian Mbappe controversy continues to escalate

Real Madrid’s impressive victory over Barcelona in Sunday’s Clasico has been overshadowed by an unexpected controversy involving Kylian Mbappe.

The French superstar’s remarks about a Chinese political figure have triggered a backlash that now extends well beyond his personal sponsorship agreements.

La Liga president Javier Tebas has taken another significant step to contain the situation, holding talks with China’s ambassador to Spain.

The controversy is now threatening the league’s commercial and broadcasting relationships with the country.

Tebas holds talks with Chinese ambassador over Mbappe controversy

On Tuesday, Tebas confirmed that he had met Chinese ambassador Yao Jing to discuss the fallout from Mbappe’s comments and explore possible solutions.

“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 explained.

The controversy originated from an interview on The Bridge, during which Mbappe discussed a meme showing his face superimposed on an image of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

La Liga president meets Chinese ambassador

The reaction has been substantial. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV suspended La Liga coverage and removed promotional material featuring Mbappe.

Three Chinese companies have also ended their sponsorship relationships with the Frenchman.

Tebas emphasised the importance of protecting La Liga‘s existing partnerships, particularly its agreement with the Chinese Professional Football League, which runs until 2029.

Real Madrid face an uncomfortable situation

The developments come despite Mbappe issuing a public apology, acknowledging that his comments were ill-judged and expressing regret for the offence caused.

The situation is particularly sensitive for Los Blancos because Mbappe is not simply their leading attacker. He is also one of the club’s most recognisable international figures whose commercial appeal transcends markets.

However, there is an important distinction between the consequences affecting Mbappe personally and those affecting Madrid.

Kylian Mbappe has found himself embroiled in a controversy after El Clasico. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

While several of his sponsorship agreements have ended, it remains unclear whether the controversy could also affect Real Madrid’s commercial partnerships.

Tebas has made it clear that an individual controversy should not damage years of cooperation between Spanish football and China.

It remains to be seen whether the fallout from this situation can be resolved amicably and things return to normal sooner rather than later.