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China's Footballers Face Tattoo Ban Resurgence
12 Nov
Summary
- Players must now hide tattoos on national team shirts.
- This rule follows a string of poor results for the team.
- Tattoos are viewed by some officials as decadent Western influence.
Chinese football authorities have reverted to a stricter enforcement of visible tattoo restrictions for national team players. This policy reversal requires players to cover their tattoos while wearing the national team jersey. The decision coincides with a period of declining results for the team, including recent losses to Tajikistan, New Zealand, and Palestine, which have affected their FIFA world ranking.
Analysts suggest that the team's poor performance may have angered officials, leading to the reimposition of rules that view tattoos as a sign of Western decadence. These restrictions were first introduced around the 2018-2019 season, with enforcement easing from 2020. However, in December 2021, stricter directives were issued, banning new tattoos and requiring existing ones to be covered.
Interestingly, these rules apply only to national team players; club players in the Chinese league are permitted to display tattoos. The national team faces upcoming friendlies against Malaysia and Bahrain, with heightened attention on adherence to the new tattoo policy as preparations continue.
