SportCNAFootball star Kylian Mbappe apologises for apparent reference to Mao as a 'dictator'
Real Madrid footballer Kylian Mbappe apologised after apparently calling Mao Zedong a dictator, losing at least three Chinese brand deals as a result.
The China Football Association said on Tuesday that it has “lodged a stern protest” with Real Madrid and demanded that both the player and the football club “issue a public and formal apology”.
Kylian Mbappe issued a public apology after comments apparently referring to Mao Zedong as a dictator sparked a fierce backlash in China.
Three Chinese companies, including beverage maker Dongpeng and dairy giant Mengniu, ended their sponsorship deals with Mbappe, and China Media Group suspended La Liga broadcasts.
The China Football Association demanded a formal apology from both Mbappe and Real Madrid, continuing a pattern of China using economic pressure over politically sensitive comments.
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