War in Ukraine/2021-22 Premier League: games on Matchday 28 were not broadcast in China

Games on Matchday 28 of the 2021-22 Premier League season (from 05 to 07/03/2022) were not broadcast in China due to the English League's solidarity with Ukraine (messages of support on big screens, signage, and blue and yellow armbands worn by players), while China abstained from voting on the United Nations resolution demanding that "Russia immediately cease the use of force against Ukraine," on 02/03/2022

The Premier League broadcasting rights in China are held by the streaming platform iQiyi Sports, for the 2021-2025 cycle. Mobile phone operator Migu has also sub-licensed the rights. Despite the blackout at the weekend, these contracts are not expected to be challenged in the long term, according to specialised media.

This is not the first time that Premier League broadcasting has been suspended in China due to political issues. Arsenal FC - Manchester City FC was cancelled by China's state-owned broadcasting group CCTV on 15/12/2019 after German player Mesut Özil posted a message on social media two days earlier criticising the Chinese government for its policies towards the…