LaLiga President Javier Tebas has apologised to the Chinese people over remarks made by French football star Kylian Mbappe that reportedly caused offence in China. Tebas issued the apology in a statement on behalf of the Spanish top-flight league, expressing regret over the controversy and reaffirming LaLiga’s commitment to its…...
LaLiga President Javier Tebas has apologised to the Chinese people over remarks made by French football star Kylian Mbappe that reportedly caused offence in China.
Tebas issued the apology in a statement on behalf of the Spanish top-flight league, expressing regret over the controversy and reaffirming LaLiga’s commitment to its relationship with China.
“From LALIGA, we deeply regret the statements made by Kylian Mbappé that have caused discomfort and offense in China. We understand the harm caused and, on behalf of LALIGA, I wish to convey our sincere apologies to the Chinese people,” he said.
Tebas said LaLiga had spent years building ties with China’s authorities, sports institutions, audiovisual operators and millions of Spanish football fans in the country.
He stressed that the controversy should not undermine those relationships or affect the league’s clubs and supporters in China.
“We cannot allow an individual action to tarnish that relationship or harm the more than 20 clubs in our professional competitions and millions of Chinese fans,” the statement read.
READ ALSO: Mbappe Apologises To Chinese People Over Controversial Meme Video
The LaLiga president said the organisation was taking steps to address the situation and was engaging directly with its partners and other stakeholders in China.
“We are taking the measures within our reach and working directly with our partners and interlocutors in China to overcome this situation,” he said.
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Reaffirming the league’s commitment to the Chinese market, Tebas said the relationship built over the years remained important despite the controversy.
“Our commitment to China, its people, and its institutions is steadfast. A relationship built over so many years cannot be damaged by a single episode,” he added.
TVC News Online had earlier reported that Mbappe had been dropped by major Chinese brands following the circulation of a video in which he appeared to joke about a meme comparing his face to that of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
Mbappe however apologised to Chinese people following backlash over his comments about an internet meme comparing his face to that of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
In a statement by the footballer, the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner admitted that his comments during a recent interview were misunderstood and had hurt people in China and Chinese communities around the world.
“My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world,” he said.
“I apologise to everyone my words have upset. This was absolutely not my intention.”