K-League Opens Goalkeeping Doors to Foreign Talent After 27 Years
For the first time since 1999, K-League clubs will allow foreign players to be registered as goalkeepers starting in the 2026 season. The ban, initially set to offer more playtime to domestic keepers, has been lifted as the league expanded and salary disparities increased.
The South Korean K-League is set to welcome foreign goalkeepers starting in the 2026 season, marking a change in policy not seen in 27 years. The decision aims to address salary disparities and reflect the league's growth since the rule's introduction in 1999.
The K-League, which currently consists of 12 teams and expanded to include a second-tier in 2013, had originally imposed the ban to ensure domestic goalkeepers received adequate playing time. However, with significant league growth, this policy was reassessed.
Officials indicated that the previous restriction led to increased salaries for domestic goalkeepers compared to field players, prompting the removal of the domestic-only goalkeeper requirement. This change will impact both the K-League 1 and 2 divisions.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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