Javier Tebas meets China’s ambassador over the “Caso Mbappé”

Javier Tebas, LaLiga’s president, met China’s ambassador to Spain to discuss the “Caso Mbappé”. The meeting follows the controversy sparked by Kylian Mbappé’s comments and the apologies issued by Tebas. He first posted an apology on LaLiga’s X account, then apologised officially on behalf of the organisation.

Tebas said the meeting was intended to address the situation caused by Mbappé’s remarks and to look for solutions that could help move beyond the episode. He also described the day as particularly intense, given the strategic importance of the Chinese market to professional football. The meeting therefore reflects an effort to contain the fallout from the controversy while LaLiga maintains cooperative ties with Chinese partners.

The LaLiga president recalled the breadth of those links, developed over recent years with Chinese authorities, football institutions, audiovisual broadcasters and companies. He said the aim was both to increase the popularity of Spanish football in China and to contribute to the development of Chinese football. For Tebas, that cooperation involves sharing experience, knowledge and resources; it is not limited to broadcasting Spanish competitions.

Continuing joint projects is central to his message. Tebas referred in particular to the strategic agreement with the Chinese Professional Football League (CFL), which runs until 2029, as well as agreements with China Media Group (CMG). He hopes the partnerships will remain successful, support the growth of Chinese football and bring LaLiga competitions closer to millions of supporters. That makes the meeting about more than an immediate response to the controversy: it is also an effort to protect existing cooperation.

Tebas described the relationship with China as built on “mutual respect, trust and cooperation”, principles he said should be preserved and strengthened. LaLiga, for its part, said it was committed to continuing to work together so that “an individual episode” would not undermine either the progress made or its connection with the millions of Chinese fans who follow its competitions. The organisation also reaffirmed that China “is and will remain a strategic partner for LaLiga”.