French soccer star Kylian Mbappe has apologized after apparently referring to Mao Zedong as a dictator. Chinese sponsors have dropped him, while state television has suspended Spanish league broadcasts.

Three Chinese companies ended partnerships with Kylian Mbappe after his reported Mao remark. The backlash highlights the commercial risks facing global sporting figures in major markets.

Kylian Mbappe has apologised for his "ill-judged" comment about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, which has led to Chinese brands dropping the Real Madrid forward.