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Chinese streaming platform iQIYI Sports will not broadcast Wednesday's Champions League clash between Real Madrid and AEK Athens, following a nationwide blackout sparked by a diplomatic fallout involving French forward Kylian Mbappé. Chinese state television also pulled coverage of Real Madrid's 3-0 La Liga victory over Racing Santander at the weekend.
Mbappé made an ill-judged remark about China's historic leader Mao Zedong, which immediately cost him several major sponsorship deals with Chinese companies. Despite the forward issuing an apology and insisting no disrespect was intended, the boycott remains in full effect.
"For now, we have to wait and see how the situation develops. I continue to hold talks with Chinese authorities, both in Madrid and in Beijing," said La Liga president Javier Tebas.
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