The South Korean football league, the K League, has decided to lift the ban that prevented the participation of foreign goalkeepers. This measure will come into effect from the 2026 season.
Since 1999, the league, considered the oldest in Asia at a professional level, only allowed the participation of Korean goalkeepers. This rule was implemented with the aim of protecting local talent, at a time when there were only 10 professional clubs.
The announcement was made after a board meeting in Seoul, where it was argued that, due to the growth of the league, with 26 professional clubs in the two main divisions, there is sufficient space for the incorporation of international goalkeepers.
The board of directors also considered that, due to restrictions on the registration of foreign players, the salary increase for national goalkeepers had grown disproportionately compared to field players. Concerns were reported about the shortage of quality goalkeepers in the country, due to the increase in the size of modern squads, which now usually include between three and four goalkeepers. This decision aligns the K League with other major Asian leagues such as those in Japan, Saudi Arabia, and China.The increase in the number of clubs means there are enough opportunities for national goalkeepers to play, even if the participation of foreign goalkeepers is allowed.
K League Board of Directors
