Chinese authorities are taking their dislike of tattoos one step further.

Axar.az reports citing foreign media that after moving to force football players to cover up their ink in 2018, a new directive from the General Administration of Sport (GAS) has placed an outright ban on tattoos, and are even calling for players to have them removed altogether.

In a statement released overnight, GAS said national teams at all levels must “strictly implement” the new requirements, adding it was all in the name of setting a good example for society.

“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 statement said.

“If there are special circumstances agreed by the team, (players) must cover up the tattoos during training and matches.”