HONG KONG — Chinese language authorities have banned footballers from getting tattoos and instructed nationwide group gamers who’ve been inked to take away or cowl them as much as set a “good instance for society.”
A rising variety of high-profile Chinese language gamers have been sporting tattoos, together with worldwide defender Zhang Linpeng, who has beforehand been informed to cowl up whereas showing for each the nationwide group and membership aspect Guangzhou FC.
The Normal Administration of Sport of China (GAS) mentioned in a press release headed “Ideas for strengthening the administration of soccer gamers” that the Chinese language Soccer Affiliation would set out disciplinary necessities for nationwide group gamers.
“Nationwide groups in any respect ranges will strictly implement the related necessities of the administration measures … (and) totally show the constructive spirit of Chinese language soccer gamers and set an excellent instance for society,” it mentioned.
“The nationwide group and the U23 nationwide group athletes are strictly prohibited from having new tattoos, and people who have already got tattoos are suggested to take away them themselves. If there are particular circumstances agreed by the group, (gamers) should cowl up the tattoos throughout coaching and matches.”
It additionally mentioned that for groups at Underneath 20 degree and beneath the recruitment of gamers with tattoos was “strictly prohibited.”
The GAS added that nationwide groups ought to set up “ideological and political schooling actions” that will “strengthen the patriotic schooling” of gamers.
Doing so would “improve the sense of mission, accountability and honour, and create a nationwide group able to conquering and preventing effectively and with wonderful model of play,” it added.
China’s nationwide group has did not qualify for the World Cup finals since making its debut look in 2002 and appears set to overlook out on Qatar 2022.
(Reporting by Michael Church, Modifying by Peter Rutherford)
