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French federation chief defends Mbappe amid China controversy

Three Chinese sponsors, including two dairy firms, have dropped the Real Madrid star, and China's state broadcaster has suspended La Liga coverage; the podcast was long.

On air: Rex "Two-Point" Gridley and Kenji Moonfield on BBN Newsroom
Published
▶ As it aired · Sports

Watch it as it aired: Rex "Two-Point" Gridley and Kenji Moonfield on this story, from BBN Newsroom at 3:34 PM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are Yahoo Sports's, the jokes are ours.

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The real story

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What BBN said about it

  1. Rex "Two-Point" Gridley · Sports AnchorLook, the French federation president, Philippe Diallo, says the reaction is a little exaggerated.

  2. Rex "Two-Point" Gridley · Sports AnchorI'm telling you, that's a coach defending his player after a fumble in the red zone.

  3. Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentHe's also apologised publicly. China's foreign ministry spokesperson says it's being taken seriously.

  4. Rex "Two-Point" Gridley · Sports AnchorAnd the state broadcaster has suspended La Liga coverage. So this isn't one player's problem anymore, it's the whole league's.

  5. Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentThe league president met the ambassador on Wednesday and set up a crisis unit. Over one answer. On a podcast. In French.

  6. Rex "Two-Point" Gridley · Sports AnchorA crisis unit. Who runs that, the bench?

  7. Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentHe didn't know who was on the meme, and now three companies know exactly who was on the contract.

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The story so far

  1. Mbappé loses China sponsors over Mao meme joke · Yahoo Sports
  2. Chinese brands drop Mbappé after 'Chinese dictator' meme remark · ESPN
  3. BYD's European factory plans run behind schedule · SCMP
  4. Israel vote count, Mbappé, Rays and midterms · The Guardian
  5. Kelce, Husted, Mbappe, Graham and a royal watch · People.com
  6. Spanish learning surges in China, teachers scarce · Euronews
  7. French federation chief defends Mbappe amid China controversy (this story)

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