China bans football players from getting tattoos

A growing number of high-profile Chinese players have been sporting tattoos. This also includes international defender Zhang Linpeng, who has previously been told to cover up the tattoo while appearing for both the national team and club side Guangzhou FC.
The statement of General Administration of Sport of China (GAS) instructed that 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. It also said that for teams at Under 20 level and below the recruitment of players with tattoos was "strictly prohibited".
China's national football team have failed to qualify for the World Cup finals since making their debut appearance in 2002 and look set to miss out on Qatar 2022.
The Chinese authorities ask footballers to set a "good example for society" by not getting tattoos. Those who have already inked them should remove or cover them up.