After China's Mbappe Uproar, Another Apology

Real Madrid are trying to limit the damage in China after striker Kylian Mbappe, discussing an online meme, referred to Mao Zedong as a "Chinese dictator." The club on Wednesday issued a formal apology "to the Chinese people," stressing its "deep respect" for China and its millions of Real Madrid fans, after earlier apologies from Mbappe and LaLiga failed to calm the reaction, per Reuters. China's Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that it was taking Mbappe's apology "seriously," per the AP.

Several Chinese brands have cut ties with the French soccer star, while China's state-owned streamer Migu has pulled Real Madrid's upcoming league match from its schedule, the only Spanish league game it won't air this weekend. LaLiga chief Javier Tebas has created a crisis unit, met China's ambassador, and is reportedly weighing a trip to Beijing. Dispute his public feud with Real Madrid—he recently accused the team of Nazi propaganda tactics—they're aligned in trying to settle an uproar that could bring major financial fallout in a key market.