Joheon-Woo, Gettyimages June 20, 2025, 23:44

Since 2026, the Higher Football Divisions of South Korea will allow the performances of foreign goalkeepers-the K-Liga announced this in her official message.

The ban has been in force since the championship was set up in 1999 and was aimed at protecting local goalkeeper, when the number of professional clubs in the country did not exceed ten.

Today, 26 teams play in the two main divisions, and the League leadership believes that it provides enough opportunities for the development of Korean goalkeepers, even in new competitive conditions. The statement emphasizes that the expansion of the tournament helps to preserve the game practice for local football players.

This step of the K-Liga joins the leading Asian championships-Japan, China and Saudi Arabia-where there are no restrictions for foreign goalkeeper. This decision is expected to increase the overall level of the championship and attract new legionnaires in Korean football.