China bans footballers from getting tattoos

Footballers who play for China’s national team have been banned from getting tattoos – and advised to remove ones they have – under a new directive. The country’s sports administration body said recruiting new players with tattoos at national level and to youth squads was “strictly prohibited”. The administration said the move would help set […]

Footballers who play for China’s national team have been banned from getting tattoos – and advised to remove ones they have – under a new directive.

The country’s sports administration body said recruiting new players with tattoos at national level and to youth squads was “strictly prohibited”.

The administration said the move would help set a “good example for society”.

Some national stars, including defender Zhang Linpeng, have previously been told to cover their tattoos.