China: La Liga suspension remains despite Real Madrid apology

The Chinese public audiovisual group is maintaining the suspension of broadcasts of the Spanish league despite the apology statement issued by Real Madrid. The controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappé continues to weigh on relations between the Madrid club and Chinese broadcasters.

Real Madrid’s apology was not enough to ease the anger in China. The Chinese public audiovisual group China Media Group (CMG) is maintaining the suspension of Liga match broadcasts on its channels, amid the controversy caused by Kylian Mbappé’s recent comments.

The Madrid club published an official statement on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in which it apologized to the Chinese people for the discontent caused by statements from its French striker. Real Madrid reaffirmed its respect for China, its history, its culture and its citizens, as well as for the club’s millions of Chinese supporters.

Read also: Real Madrid: Chinese government reacts to Mbappé’s apology

Real Madrid’s apology deemed insufficient

The move did not unblock the situation. CMG rejected the club’s explanations and made the resumption of talks conditional on an apology deemed satisfactory.

The public audiovisual group’s reaction shows that the affair now extends beyond the sporting sphere. In China, where Real Madrid has a large supporter base, Mbappé’s comments have sparked a controversy with media and commercial consequences.

The suspension of broadcasts represents significant pressure on Spanish football, whose audiovisual rights are an important source of revenue and international visibility.

Broadcast resumption without a timetable

For now, no timetable has been announced for the resumption of broadcasts of the Liga matches concerned. The situation therefore remains deadlocked, despite Real Madrid’s attempt to defuse the controversy through an official statement.

This suspension concerns broadcasts controlled by the Chinese public audiovisual group. At this stage, it does not mean that La Liga has been definitively banned throughout Chinese territory.

The development of the matter will now depend on Real Madrid’s ability to meet the demands of its Chinese counterparts. In the meantime, the controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappé continues to strain relations between the Spanish club and a particularly important market for its international profile.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

Related teams and leagues

LaLiga Spain