Chinese airlines get tough with pilots during World Cup

(ECNS) -- Pilots of Chinese airlines have been warned not to stay up late to watch football games during the World Cup, the Oriental Morning Post reported.

Budget carrier Spring Airlines said it had introduced special measures to avoid safety risks. Staff will be monitored for fatigue by having their blood pressure checked, an employee said, and pilots will keep tabs on one another.

China Southern Airlines has taken a harder line, forbidding employees to even discuss football matches during work.

Several pilots said that the majority of Chinese airlines had released similar warnings.

With matches scheduled from midnight to 6:00am, Chinese football fans face a tough work schedule in the days ahead.

Brazilian aviation authorities threatened international and domestic carriers last month with fines of up to $40,000 for late flights.