JAKARTA - China has banned footballers from getting tattoos and ordered all national team players who have had tattoos removed or covered them up to set an "model for society".
More and more well-known Chinese players are getting tattoos, including international defender Zhang Linpeng, who was previously asked to cover it up while playing for the national team and club Guangzhou FC.
China's sports authority (GAS) said the China Football Association would set disciplinary requirements for national team players.
"National teams of all levels will strictly implement the relevant requirements of management rules (and) fully demonstrate the positive spirit of Chinese football players and set a good example to society," GAS said.
"The national team and athletes of the U23 national team are strictly prohibited from having new tattoos, and those who already have tattoos are encouraged to remove them. And if there are special circumstances agreed by the team, then (players) must cover the tattoo during training and matches," explained GAS.
GAS also confirmed that under-20 teams and below are "strongly prohibited" from recruiting tattooed players.
GAS added that the national team should create "ideological and political educational activities" that strengthen the patriotism of players.
China have failed to reach the World Cup finals since their debut in 2002 and are likely to miss the Qatar 2022 World Cup as well.
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