China has continued its nationwide television blackout of La Liga matches after controversial remarks by Kylian Mbappe led to apologies from the player, Real Madrid and the Spanish league.

Mbappe appeared in a video published by a French talk show in which he discussed a humorous meme featuring his face digitally placed on “some guy, I think he’s a Chinese dictator”.

The figure referred to was Mao Zedong, the former Chinese leader who led the Chinese Communist Party to victory in the civil war and founded the People's Republic of China.

Mbappe, Real Madrid and La Liga subsequently apologised for the comments. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had taken the player’s apology “seriously”.

However, the dispute has continued to affect the broadcasting of Spanish football in China. Real Madrid’s match against Racing Santander was not shown on television, despite Mbappe scoring the opening goal.

The blackout has developed into a significant commercial issue for La Liga, with its president Javier Tebas holding talks with China’s ambassador to Spain.

The China Media Group (CMG), which oversees CCTV, said apologies from La Liga, Mbappe and Real Madrid were “an absolute prerequisite” for the situation to move forward.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho was asked about the matter at his pre-match press conference on Saturday and responded cautiously.

“This situation with China highlights the dangers of today’s world, where often the best thing to do is to keep your mouth shut because there’s a risk in so many of the things you say and comment on, but I’ve seen him act very responsibly and with a very big, classy club. As far as we’re concerned, that’s it; there’s nothing more for us to do.”