LaLiga Apologizes to Chinese Fans Over Mbappé Comments

LaLiga apologized to Chinese supporters on October 27 for offense caused by recent comments from Kylian Mbappé and said it would develop a cultural-awareness and communication protocol with clubs and players. The Spanish football league said the comments were made in a personal capacity and did not represent its position. The league offered its apology on behalf of LaLiga and all its clubs. President Javier Tebas also addressed supporters directly, saying: “I would like to personally apologize to Chinese fans for the offense caused.” He expressed respect for China, its institutions and its people, and said he valued Chinese supporters’ longstanding trust in Spanish football. China’s Foreign Ministry separately addressed the controversy at its October 27 briefing. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the ministry had noted the reports and that words or actions hurting Chinese people’s feelings would naturally face opposition across Chinese society. Tebas accepted responsibility for working with clubs and players to improve knowledge of and respect for different cultures. LaLiga described respect, coexistence and unity among people of different cultures as fundamental values of Spanish football. It said the planned protocol would accompany its existing work with partners and institutional interlocutors in China to address the situation, without specifying an implementation date.