Chinese state television maintained its blackout of Real Madrid matches despite apologies over Kylian Mbappe’s controversial comments about Mao Zedong.

Neither CCTV sports channel showed Madrid’s 3-0 victory against Racing Santander on Sunday, extending the dispute involving Spain’s top league.

Mbappe scored the opening goal, but Chinese television audiences missed the match as broadcasting restrictions remained firmly in place nationwide.

The controversy emerged after an older video resurfaced showing Mbappe discussing an internet meme depicting him as China’s former leader.

In the recording, Mbappe appeared to call the figure “a dictator”, prompting widespread criticism and serious commercial consequences across China.

Why China Has Refused to Resume Real Madrid Broadcasts

China Media Group suspended La Liga broadcasts on October 26, demanding apologies from Mbappe, Real Madrid and league officials alike.

All three subsequently apologised, while Chinese authorities acknowledged Mbappe’s statement without announcing when television coverage might return to normal again.

Mbappe described his remarks as “ill-judged,” while Real Madrid expressed respect for China and its supporters in its official response, reports Aljazeera.

China’s foreign ministry said it took the apology “seriously,” yet CCTV continued excluding Spanish league fixtures from scheduled live broadcasts.

Streaming service Migu reportedly showed other Spanish league games, including Barcelona’s victory over Alaves, but omitted Madrid’s Racing Santander encounter.

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho said the club had “done our part” to resolve the issue before Sunday’s league game.

Several Chinese sponsors also ended relationships with Mbappe, highlighting the broader financial risks surrounding the continuing dispute for Spanish football.