China bans tattoos on national football players

According to the authorities, Chinese professional football players must “set a good example” and are therefore no longer allowed to have new tattoos. That reports the newspaper South China Morning Post Thursday. Players who already have ink in their skin are urged to have the body decoration removed.

Footballers who, despite the ban, still have new tattoos on their skin, will no longer be allowed to play in the national team. The ordinance also applies to national youth teams.

In 2018, the Chinese Football Association already decided that tattoos should not be visible at matches that are broadcast on national television. Players have since appeared on the field in such matches with taped arms or a long-sleeved shirt under their uniforms. Last year, famous English footballer David Beckham’s tattoos were blurred in a documentary broadcast on Chinese television.

‘Patriotic education’

The Chinese authorities have issued a statement titled “Suggestions for Strengthening the Guidance of Soccer Players” announcing the new rules. The document also states that national sports teams should organize “ideological and political education activities” that would enhance “the patriotic education” of players.

The ban on tattoos seems to only apply to football and not to other sports for the time being. Also tattooed foreign footballers do not have to worry for the time being. It is not clear when the rules will come into effect. China will face Japan in the third round of the World Cup qualifiers on January 27.

Tattoos have long been associated with criminal gangs, prisoners and crime in China, but have become more common in recent years, especially among young people. Removing tattoos is – just like getting the tattoo itself – a very painful process.