CCTV Refuses to Air Real Madrid Match After Mbappé's Apology

China's state broadcaster CCTV has decided not to air a Real Madrid match, specifically against Racing Santander, despite an apology from French striker Kylian Mbappé regarding his controversial remarks about the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong. The match, which took place on Sunday, ended with Real Madrid winning 3-0, with goals from Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Yan Diomande.

The controversy began after Mbappé made comments on the French talk show, The Bridge, where he mentioned a meme that depicted him with Mao's image, which angered many in China. Following the backlash, Mbappé apologized, acknowledging that his comments were ill-judged and hurtful.

China Media Group, CCTV's parent organization, had previously announced a suspension of Spanish La Liga broadcasts until they received apologies from Mbappé, Real Madrid, and La Liga. Although the apologies were acknowledged, no date for the resumption of broadcasts has been provided.

This incident has also led to several Chinese brands dropping Mbappé from their promotional campaigns.