{
  "id": 17648787,
  "title": "Chinese state TV fails to air Real Madrid match after Mbappe row",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/chinese-state-tv-fails-to-air-real-madrid-match-after-mbappe-row",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-01T17:35:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Channel News Asia",
    "slug": "channel-news-asia",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/chinese-state-tv-fails-air-real-madrid-match-after-mbappe-row-6511131"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "During a La Liga match between Real Madrid and Racing Santander on November 1, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV refrained from airing the game, following comments made by Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe. The remarks sparked controversy in China, with Mbappe drawing a comparison between former leader Mao Zedong and a dictator. Mbappe, Real Madrid, and La Liga subsequently apologized for the remarks, and China's foreign ministry acknowledged the players' apologies as serious. La Liga, Real Madrid, and Mbappe all later expressed regret over the incident. However, the match was not broadcast on CCTV's sports channels, nor on Migu, a digital streaming service owned by China Mobile. China Media Group, which oversees CCTV, had suspended La Liga broadcasts, demanding apologies from all parties involved before resuming coverage. The incident highlights the political sensitivity surrounding references to Mao Zedong in China, where such jokes are considered taboo. Major Chinese brands also severed ties with Mbappe following his controversial comments.",
  "summary": "Mbappe, Real and La Liga later all said sorry for his remarks, and China's foreign ministry said it took the player's apology \"seriously\".",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Thierry Henry in awe of Real Madrid superstar after Clasico performance: ‘Absolutely incredible’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/thierry-henry-in-awe-of-real-madrid-superstar-after-clasico",
        "published": "2026-10-29T10:22:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Mourinho rules out Alexander-Arnold exit from Real Madrid despite reduced role",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/mourinho-rules-out-alexander-arnold-exit-from-real-madrid-despite",
        "published": "2026-11-01T14:53:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "El Pais",
        "title": "Racing - Real Madrid en directo | Comienza el encuentro en El Sardinero",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/racing-real-madrid-en-directo-comienza-el-encuentro-en-el-sardinero",
        "published": "2026-11-01T15:26:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "La Liga: Mbappe strikes as Real Madrid beat Santander 3-0",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/la-liga-mbappe-strikes-as-real-madrid-beat-santander-3-0",
        "published": "2026-11-01T18:44:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}