Chinese state broadcaster pulls La Liga off air after Mbappé controversy

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV pulled La Liga from air after Mbappé joked about resembling Mao Zedong in a meme, sparking backlash and commercial sponsor withdrawals.

Kylian Mbappé's comments in a recent interview have triggered a major controversy in China. When asked about his favourite meme of himself, the Real Madrid player mentioned one where his face was used to depict former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, calling it something he often shares with friends.

The remarks provoked significant backlash across China. Multiple Chinese companies immediately suspended commercial partnerships with Mbappé, including beverage producer Dongpeng and dairy firm Mengniu. Dongpeng issued a statement saying: "We have zero tolerance for behaviour that hurts national feelings."

The fallout extended to broadcasting. State broadcaster CCTV has pulled all La Liga matches, highlights and related advertising from its schedule effective immediately. In China, sharing satirical content about former leaders and figures associated with the Chinese Communist Party is a criminal offence.