K-League Ends 27-Year Ban, Permitting Registration of Foreign Goalkeepers

For the first time in 27 years, K-League clubs will be permitted to register foreign players in the goalkeeper position, commencing with the 2026 season, according to announcements from South Korea’s premier football league.

The ban on foreign goalkeepers was implemented in 1999, during a period when the league comprised just eight teams, with the aim of ensuring domestic keepers gained sufficient playing time. Currently, the K-League 1 has expanded to 12 teams, and a second division was introduced in 2013.

The resolution to lift the ban on foreign goalkeepers was reached during a board meeting on Thursday, and was announced in a statement released on Friday.

“The board acknowledged that the restriction on foreign goalkeepers, a specialised role, had led to significant salary inflation for local players compared to those in other positions,” the statement indicated.

“Given the considerable increase in the number of clubs since the foreign goalkeeper restrictions were put in place, allowing foreign goalkeepers will not impede domestic players’ opportunities for match time.”

“Consequently, beginning in 2026, the K-League will amend its competition guidelines to eliminate the requirement for goalkeepers to be domestic players, a change that will apply to both K-League 1 and K-League 2.”