Footballers from all of China's national teams are not allowed to get new tattoos and those who have been inked in the past are advised to have them removed, according to state authorities.
"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," the General Administration of Sport of China (GAS) said.
In addition, the under-20 and below teams are "strictly prohibited" from nominating players who have been inked.
The GAS said in the statement released earlier in the week that footballers were to "set a good example for society."
The Chinese government has criticised tattoos of celebrities and the young generation in recent months, and tattoos are blurred on television. Footballers have also been told to cover their arms if they were inked there.
