French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo stepped into the row engulfing Kylian Mbappe, saying the controversy over comments about Mao Zedong and China had become too large. He said Mbappe's apology should be enough to bring the matter to an end.
Diallo responds publicly
Speaking to the newspaper "Ouest-France", in comments relayed by the network " Foot Mercato ", Diallo defended Mbappe.
Diallo said: "I saw that there was a controversy around Kylian, and perhaps it was bigger than it should have been, because I do not think he wanted in any way to harm the image of one of the Chinese leaders, or to insult the Chinese people."
His view on Mbappe's explanation
Diallo said: "It is a controversy that should not continue, and I hope it will not continue, because Kylian explained very well the context in which those statements came."
Diallo says the apology should be enough
Diallo said: "He apologised, and I believe that this should be enough now, so that he can continue his season in the best conditions."
GOAL's reported concerns
GOAL reported that federation chiefs are watching the crisis closely.
GOAL reported that the fallout threatens to damage commercial partnerships between the Federation and Chinese parties, including existing contracts between the two sides.