China mandates national football team to cover up tattoos

Chinese sports authorities have instructed members of the national football team to hide their tattoos during matches. This directive coincides with preparations for upcoming friendly games against Malaysia and Bahrain, serving as part of the buildup for the Asian Cup set to be held in Saudi Arabia this January. Players are required to wear skin-colored sleeves to conceal the tattoos, which local authorities view as symbols of "Western decadence." The regulation applies exclusively to domestic national team players, exempting foreign athletes playing in the local league. While a similar policy was introduced during the 2018-2019 season, enforcement had eased since 2020. Although the trend of tattooing has grown significantly among athletes since the turn of the century, championed by international stars, some players like Cristiano Ronaldo have avoided the practice to maintain eligibility for blood donation, citing the health risks associated with the needles used.