FFF President Backs Mbappé
The President of the French Football Federation (FFF), Philippe Diallo, has publicly defended Kylian Mbappé amidst a growing diplomatic dispute involving the France captain and China. Mbappé has faced significant criticism and financial repercussions in China after referring to the nation’s former Chairman, Mao Zedong, as a “dictator” during an interview.
Diallo addressed the situation, stating in an interview with Ouest-France: “I have seen this controversy, which is certainly a bit too big. I don’t think that Kylian wanted, in any way, to damage the image of a Chinese leader nor offend or annoy the Chinese people.” He added, “I think that, in any case, it isn’t a controversy that will last, or at least I hope that it won’t. I think that Kylian has explained very well the context in which the comment was made. He has apologised. I think we have to leave it there so that he can continue his season in the best conditions.”
The Origin of the Dispute
The controversy stems from Mbappé’s appearance on ‘The Bridge’, where his comment about Mao Zedong quickly went viral and sparked considerable backlash in China. This led to immediate consequences for the Real Madrid forward. Energy drink company Dongpeng and dairy producer Meigniu both announced the termination of their sponsorship deals with Mbappé, citing that his “behaviour offends national sentiment.”
The repercussions have extended beyond personal sponsorships. Reports from China indicate that state-owned channels are now pulling La Liga games featuring Mbappé’s club, Real Madrid, from broadcast schedules. This move highlights the severity of the diplomatic incident and its potential financial impact on both the player and the league.
Apologies and Distancing
In an effort to manage the fallout, Mbappé, Real Madrid, and La Liga have all issued apologies. A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Affairs Minister confirmed that Mbappé’s apology was being “taken seriously.” Both Real Madrid and La Liga have also taken steps to distance themselves from the player’s remarks, acknowledging the sensitivity of the situation.
The original meme that prompted Mbappé’s comment was created by Younes Khelifi during the summer of 2023, amidst speculation surrounding Mbappé’s contract renewal at Paris Saint-Germain. Khelifi, who runs the X account Frenchaicovers, has since expressed regret over the unintended consequences, stating he “feels sorry” for Mbappé’s current predicament. He noted that he “didn’t think that it would cross borders and create a diplomatic incident.”
This ongoing situation underscores the complexities athletes can face when their comments, even if unintentional, intersect with geopolitical sensitivities.