CCTV Extends Real Madrid Blackout Despite Mbappé Apology

China’s state broadcaster has maintained its blackout on  Real Madrid matches despite a public apology from striker Kylian Mbappé over comments about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

China Media Group (CMG), parent company of China Central Television (CCTV), did not broadcast Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Racing Santander on Sunday. Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande scored for Madrid., according to the BBC on Monday.

CMG had announced last Tuesday that it was suspending La Liga coverage after backlash to remarks attributed to Mbappé. The French forward had said on French talk show _The Bridge_ that a meme he found funniest showed his face superimposed on an image of a Chinese dictator resembling Mao.

The comments triggered widespread criticism in China, where Mao remains a revered and politically sensitive figure.

Mbappé later issued an apology, describing his remarks as ill-judged and saying he understood they had hurt people in China and in Chinese communities globally. Real Madrid and La Liga also apologised.

China’s foreign ministry said it took note of the apology. CMG, which had earlier said apologies from Mbappé, Real Madrid and La Liga were a necessary condition for resolving the matter, has acknowledged the apologies but has not said when La Liga broadcasts will resume.

The fallout has reportedly cost Mbappé endorsement deals, with several Chinese brands said to have pulled campaigns featuring the player.

Mao Zedong founded the People’s Republic of China in 1949 and led the country until his death in 1976.

This is not the first time China has suspended sports broadcasts over political remarks. In October 2019, CCTV halted NBA coverage for about a year after then-Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey posted in support of Hong Kong protesters.