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K League has lifted a 26-year ban on foreign GKs for the ’26 season, allowing international players due to an increase in clubs and concerns over domestic GK quality.
A K-League match between FC Seoul (R), and Incheon United FC (L). (AFP)
A 26-year ban on foreign goalkeepers in South Korea’s premier soccer league has been lifted in time for the 2026 season.
Since 1999, only Korean goalkeepers have been permitted to play in the K League, Asia’s oldest professional domestic league. This rule was originally established to safeguard local talent when the league comprised just 10 professional clubs.
Following a board meeting in Seoul this week, the K League announced that with the current 26 professional clubs across the top two tiers, there is now adequate room for international goalkeepers.
“The increase in the number of clubs means that there are enough opportunities for domestic goalkeepers to play even if foreign goalkeepers are allowed,” the board stated. “We considered the fact that with foreign player registrations restricted, the salary increase rate of domestic goalkeepers has increased disproportionately to outfield players.”
Reports suggest that there were concerns about a shortage of quality goalkeepers in the country due to the expanded rosters, which now include three or four goalkeepers per team.
This decision will align the K League with other major Asian leagues in Japan, Saudi Arabia, and China.
With AP inputs.
- Location :
Seoul, South Korea
- First Published:
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