CCTV has fully suspended its broadcast of LaLiga matches, a drastic measure confirmed by EFE news agency checks in China. The state broadcaster removed Saturday’s fixtures from its lineup and has omitted Sunday’s and Monday’s games from its schedule. This abrupt blackout follows Kylian Mbappé’s recent comments regarding a viral meme comparing him to Mao Zedong, a sensitive topic in Chinese media. While previous matchdays remain accessible on the CCTV app, the most recent available content dates back to the Celta Vigo vs. Real Betis clash on October 25, marking a significant gap in coverage for the season.
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The suspension creates a stark contrast with Migu, LaLiga’s exclusive digital partner in China through the 2029/30 season. Migu has retained almost all of its scheduled coverage, with only the Racing de Santander vs. Real Madrid fixture missing from its slate. Notably, Migu had already excluded Real Madrid matches from August and September, but it continues to stream other league games. Meanwhile, CCTV has listed no LaLiga matches for the current season or the upcoming 2025/26 campaign, signaling a potential long-term freeze rather than a temporary pause.
Despite Mbappé’s public apology and a formal letter sent by LaLiga to China Media Group (CMG), the parent company of CCTV, no official statement has been issued clarifying if these gestures are sufficient to restore broadcasts. The lack of communication leaves fans and stakeholders uncertain about when, or if, coverage will resume. This incident highlights the complex intersection of sports entertainment and diplomatic relations, as broadcasters navigate cultural sensitivities that can instantly impact global broadcasting rights and viewer access.
Source: Yahoo Sports
