What LaLiga will do to escape China's ban over the Mbappé case
The controversy in China led the Spanish league to announce cultural-respect and communication measures, while efforts continue to restore its broadcasts on CCTV.
LaLiga has announced it will develop an awareness and communication protocol with clubs and players to prevent situations like the one caused by Kylian Mbappé's comments about a meme linked to Mao Zedong.
The initiative aims to strengthen knowledge of and respect for other cultures. The October 27 announcement sets out a joint response, although the statement has yet to detail how it will be applied or when it will take effect.
The league also apologized on behalf of the organization and its clubs. It made clear that the striker's words were his own personal views and has been in contact with its partners and counterparts in China to try to overcome the crisis.
“We cannot allow individual statements to tarnish that relationship,” said Javier Tebas, president of LaLiga, defending the ties built with Chinese institutions, broadcasters and fans.
The controversy began after Mbappé said in an interview that he found a meme with his face over that of a “Chinese dictator” funny. The edited image circulating on social media used a picture of Mao Zedong, although the player referred to the figure only in general terms.
The fallout hit the entire competition on state broadcaster CCTV, which suspended its LaLiga broadcasts. The striker also lost commercial deals with Chinese brands.
Real Madrid joined the apologies on October 28 with a statement expressing its respect for China and backing the player's regret. The state broadcaster confirmed it had received the club's letter, without saying when it would resume broadcasts.
A single comment from Mbappé ended up affecting the broadcast of all of LaLiga on CCTV. The announced response will also be collective: a protocol drawn up with clubs and players to prevent another personal statement from sparking an international crisis.
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