Disciplinary measure: China wants its football players to remove tattoos

Beijing: The Chinese administration for sports banned its footballers from getting tattoos as part of its new disciplinary measure and directed national team players who keep the same to remove it or cover it, setting a good example for the society, Reuters reported.

A statement by the Chinese government agency, General Administration of Sports of China (GAS), said that the national team and the Under23 national team athletes are strictly prohibited from having new tattoos and those who already have them should remove them. If the team agrees with special circumstances, players could cover their tattoos during matches. The recruitment for players for under20 level teams and below will not consider players with tattoos.

The statement further said that the Chinese Football Association is planning to set disciplinary requirements for the national team to strengthen the management of players. National teams at all levels are to implement the management measures strictly. The teams should fully demonstrate the positive spirit of Chinese football players.

GAS also said that the national teams should organise ideological and political awareness activities to strengthen the patriotic education of players. It would enhance the sense of mission, responsibility and honour while making the teams capable of fighting and conquering with an excellent style of play.

Many leading Chinese footballers, including international defender Zhang Linpeng, bore tattoos. Zhang Linpeng was earlier told to cover his tattoos while he appeared for the national team or club matches.