The decision by China Media Group (CMG) not to broadcast the 11th matchday of the La Liga between Racing Santander and Real Madrid marked a new turning point in the conflict surrounding Kylian Mbappé's statements on Mao Zedong. Despite the player's public apology and the club's declaration of solidarity, the Chinese platform Migu removed the match from its programming, depriving hundreds of millions of viewers of the opportunity to follow Real Madrid. The same platform continues to broadcast the other matches of the round, including the Barcelona match, but the only presence of the white club is a video in which Real Madrid presents its official apologies.
The boycott has intensified in recent days. Mbappé's name has been removed from sponsorship channels in China, the player's shirts have become difficult to find in shops and La Liga is facing the economic consequences of an affair that risks having repercussions on the global market. CMG's decision not to broadcast the match was taken in line with the hard line adopted by La Liga and Real Madrid, who have reiterated that they do not tolerate comments that may offend Chinese culture.
Mbappé's apologies, published on his Instagram profile, and those of Real Madrid, sent to CMG, failed to bring the parties closer together. China maintained its position, leaving the white club off the country's television broadcasts. According to the sources, the decision was made to ensure respect for Chinese cultural sensitivities and to avoid further disputes that could damage trade relations between the two nations.
The future of broadcasting Real Madrid matches in China remains uncertain. While La Liga continues to guarantee the visibility of the other teams, the white club risks remaining obscured even in the coming weeks. The situation highlights the complexity of commercial relations between European football and the Chinese market, where cultural sensitivity can directly influence the spread of sporting events. Next week will be crucial to understand whether CMG will maintain its position or whether a new agreement will be reached that allows Real Madrid to return to the schedule.