Javier Tebas, president of LaLiga, confirmed that discussions are underway with Chinese authorities to resolve the diplomatic crisis caused by Kylian Mbappé's remarks about Mao Zedong.
Javier Tebas, president of LaLiga, the Spanish football championship, stated that he maintains constant dialogue with Chinese representatives in order to find a way out of the diplomatic crisis that led to the blocking of the broadcast of matches on Chinese territory.
It all started with a video published by Kylian Mbappé, captain of the French national team, in which the footballer described Mao Zedong as a "Chinese dictator". This statement provoked the anger of Chinese authorities, who decided to implement a blackout on all LaLiga matches broadcast in China.
Faced with this situation, Javier Tebas sought to reassure Chinese supporters of Spanish football. "We remain fully committed to finding a quick and respectful solution for both parties," he said during a press statement. The president of LaLiga highlighted the importance of the Chinese market for Spanish football and the need to preserve this commercial and cultural relationship.
This affair illustrates the growing sensitivity of diplomatic issues in professional sport. Public statements by athletes, even off the field, can have significant repercussions on broadcast agreements and commercial partnerships of major international sporting competitions.
For the time being, no date has been announced regarding a possible lifting of the blackout. Negotiations are continuing in a context where LaLiga seeks to protect its economic interests while respecting Chinese cultural sensitivities.
It all started with a video published by Kylian Mbappé, captain of the French national team, in which the footballer described Mao Zedong as a "Chinese dictator". This statement provoked the anger of Chinese authorities, who decided to implement a blackout on all LaLiga matches broadcast in China.
Faced with this situation, Javier Tebas sought to reassure Chinese supporters of Spanish football. "We remain fully committed to finding a quick and respectful solution for both parties," he said during a press statement. The president of LaLiga highlighted the importance of the Chinese market for Spanish football and the need to preserve this commercial and cultural relationship.
This affair illustrates the growing sensitivity of diplomatic issues in professional sport. Public statements by athletes, even off the field, can have significant repercussions on broadcast agreements and commercial partnerships of major international sporting competitions.
For the time being, no date has been announced regarding a possible lifting of the blackout. Negotiations are continuing in a context where LaLiga seeks to protect its economic interests while respecting Chinese cultural sensitivities.
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Source: Ouest-France