Chinese state television has decided not to broadcast the first two matches of the weekend in La Liga, sparking a fierce controversy.
The decision by Chinese state television not to broadcast the weekend's La Liga matches continues to make waves. On Friday, October 30th and Saturday, 31st, Chinese viewers found themselves deprived of Spanish football, a first for the broadcaster holding the competition's broadcasting rights.
This radical measure follows the media storm surrounding Kylian Mbappé. The French star, currently at Real Madrid, finds himself at the center of a controversy regarding his contract situation and his performances for the national team. The Chinese authorities have apparently chosen to distance themselves from the French player.
Reactions have not been long in coming from the football world. Chinese supporters, accustomed to following La Liga every weekend, are expressing their dissatisfaction with this decision. Many point to a disproportionate reaction on the part of the public broadcaster.
On the football governing bodies' side, questions are being raised about the consequences of this incident. La Liga, which relies heavily on its international audience, could see its popularity affected in China. Commercial partnerships with Chinese channels could also be impacted.
This affair illustrates the increasingly close links between sport and geopolitical issues. When a player becomes a subject of international discord, it is sometimes the supporters who end up paying the price.
This radical measure follows the media storm surrounding Kylian Mbappé. The French star, currently at Real Madrid, finds himself at the center of a controversy regarding his contract situation and his performances for the national team. The Chinese authorities have apparently chosen to distance themselves from the French player.
Reactions have not been long in coming from the football world. Chinese supporters, accustomed to following La Liga every weekend, are expressing their dissatisfaction with this decision. Many point to a disproportionate reaction on the part of the public broadcaster.
On the football governing bodies' side, questions are being raised about the consequences of this incident. La Liga, which relies heavily on its international audience, could see its popularity affected in China. Commercial partnerships with Chinese channels could also be impacted.
This affair illustrates the increasingly close links between sport and geopolitical issues. When a player becomes a subject of international discord, it is sometimes the supporters who end up paying the price.
Advertisement
Source: Ouest-France