The General Administration of Sport in China (GAS) has stated that footballers should cover up their tattoos when playing for their clubs and national teams. Zhang Linpeng, the famous Guangzhou FC and China National team defender was told to do so recently as well.
The main reason behind such a ridiculous decision being made by the body is to ‘set a good example for society’. However, it must be noted that the number of footballers that don’t have any tattoos is very few across the world. So, a fair number of players will be seen with leggings and sleeves in the coming months and years.
What has the governing body in China said about the issue?
“National teams at all levels will strictly implement the relevant requirements of the management measures… (and) fully demonstrate the positive spirit of Chinese football players and set a good example for society,” it said, per Sky Sports.
“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.
“If there are special circumstances agreed by the team, (players) must cover up the tattoos during training and matches.”
The document added that China would prohibit recruiting players under 20 that have tattoos. The country also suggested that national teams should provide political and ideological education to enhance the sense of patriotism among the players.
According to their logic, this would also help them become more cohesive on the pitch, without taking into account the minimal amount of time these players actually have to get familiar with each other.
