Champions League: Real Madrid match also set to be boycotted in China after Mbappé comments

Chinese streaming platform iQIYI Sports will not broadcast Real Madrid's Champions League match against AEK Athens on Wednesday, extending the boycott over Mbappé's comments about Mao Zedong.

Chinese media continues to boycott Real Madrid matches following the diplomatic incident triggered by Kylian Mbappé's comments about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. State broadcaster CCTV declined to air Real Madrid's La Liga match against Racing Santander on Sunday, and streaming platform iQIYI Sports is now expected to withhold Wednesday's Champions League fixture between AEK Athens and Real Madrid from its schedule.

The controversy began when Mbappé responded to memes comparing him to a "Chinese dictator" by referencing images of Mao Zedong. Despite the French striker's apology, Chinese state media has maintained the blackout. Three Chinese companies have also terminated sponsorship deals with Mbappé involving beverages, dairy products and cheese.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas said he is in dialogue with Chinese authorities in both Madrid and Beijing, and plans to visit China to discuss normalising the situation. Mbappé scored from the penalty spot in Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Santander in his first match after the controversy.