Javier Tebas apologises to Chinese people on La Liga’s behalf after Mbappé controversy

Javier Tebas, La Liga president, has apologised to the Chinese people on the league’s behalf after Kylian Mbappé’s controversial remarks about a satirical image of the Chinese leader. He also said he regretted the dissatisfaction and offence caused by the player’s comments. La Liga is working with its partners in China to overcome the crisis, he said.

In a message posted on his X account, Tebas acknowledged the harm caused by the matter and offered an official apology: “We are aware of the harm caused by this matter and I would like, on behalf of La Liga, to offer our sincere apologies to the Chinese people.” His statement puts the league’s response to the reaction in China at the forefront, while separating an individual’s conduct from its relationship with the country.

The president warned that the repercussions could extend beyond the episode involving the player. “We cannot allow an individual act to tarnish this relationship or harm more than 20 clubs competing in our professional competitions, as well as millions of Chinese supporters,” Tebas said. He highlighted the stakes for clubs taking part in the league’s professional competitions and for Chinese supporters.

Tebas also said La Liga had begun taking action, without detailing the measures involved. “We are taking the measures available to us and working directly with our partners and the parties concerned in China to overcome this crisis,” he wrote. His message therefore refers to direct contact with partners and relevant parties, but does not specify the steps being taken.

Finally, the president reaffirmed the importance of ties with China, its people and its institutions: “Our commitment to China, its people and its institutions is firm. An individual incident must not be allowed to harm a relationship built over many years.” For Tebas, the response to the controversy must address the crisis without allowing one person’s actions to damage a relationship built over time.