HONG KONG — Authorities in China have barred soccer players from getting tattoos and instructed national team players who have been inked to remove or cover them up to set a “good example for society.”A growing number of high-profile Chinese players have been sporting tattoos, including international defender Zhang Linpeng, who has previously been told to cover up while appearing for both the national team and club side Guangzhou FC. Download the NBC News app for breaking news and politicsThe General Administration of Sport of China (GAS) said in a statement headed “Suggestions for strengthening the management of football players” that the Chinese Football Association would set out disciplinary requirements for national team players. “The national team and the U23 national team athletes are strictly prohibited from having new tattoos, and those who already have tattoos are advised to remove them themselves. Doing so would “enhance the sense of mission, responsibility and honor, and create a national team capable of conquering and fighting well and with excellent style of play,” it added. China’s national team has failed to qualify for the World Cup finals since making its debut appearance in 2002 and looks set to miss out on Qatar 2022.

Source: Ethiopian News December 31, 2021 12:24 UTC