Mbappé-Mao: China keeps pressure on La Liga

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV did not air several La Liga matches, including Villarreal-Espanyol, Atlético Madrid-Levante and Real Madrid-Racing Santander. The suspension followed a video in which Kylian Mbappé referred to a meme comparing him to Mao Zedong, a particularly sensitive historical figure in China. Several Chinese companies have ended partnerships with the player, while Mbappé and La Liga have apologized. Beijing has nevertheless maintained the suspension, putting La Liga’s interests in the Chinese market at risk.