'Ongoing dialogue' with China after Mbappe row: Liga chief Tebas

La Liga president Javier Tebas has stated that he is continuing discussions with Chinese authorities following controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappe's remarks about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. Chinese state television did not broadcast any La Liga matches over the weekend, and Real Madrid's victory at Racing Santander on Sunday was also withheld from pay television in China.

Mbappe made the comments in an interview with French show The Bridge, referencing an internet meme featuring his face superimposed onto Mao's. Following backlash in China, where mocking Mao, who is reviled by historians for causing millions of deaths, is considered taboo, Mbappe, Real Madrid, and La Liga issued apologies. Tebas, speaking at the World in Progress forum in Barcelona, said the situation is still unfolding and depends on the matter calming down.

He confirmed he is maintaining ongoing dialogue with Chinese authorities in Madrid and Beijing, highlighting the strong ties between China and Spanish football which could help resolve the dispute. Tebas had previously met with Chinese State Councillor Shen Yiqin and a high-ranking delegation at La Masia youth academy in February, as well as with Barcelona president Joan Laporta.

China severed ties with the NBA in 2019 following then-General Manager Daryl Morey's support for Hong Kong protesters, but Tebas expressed hope that the current situation with La Liga could be normalized.