The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) on Saturday handed Guangdong Southern Tigers guard Zhao Rui a three-match suspension for violating the league's COVID-19 epidemic prevention measures.

The disciplinary action is the first of its kind since the league resumed behind closed doors in Qingdao and Dongguan on June 20.

To ensure the safety of all participants, the league has enforced a color-coded virus-prevention protocol. Players, coaches and referees have been assigned green credentials and are forbidden to mix with those who have yellow and blue credentials.

Zhao was alleged to have had close contact with yellow-accredited staff, which includes media, in Dongguan on Friday. As well as a three-game ban the 24-year-old has been fined 10,000 yuan ($1,400).

Zhao will also have to undergo another COVID-19 test before being granted permission to return to the players' green area.

Xinhua - Agencies