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South Korea lifts 26-year ban on foreign goalkeepers in the K League
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Ulsan HD's Jo Hyeon-woo blocks a shot during the Club World Cup group F soccer match between Ulsan HD and Mamelodi Sundowns in Orlando, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. - photo by AP Photo/John Raoux
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A 26-year ban on foreign goalkeepers in South Korea’s top soccer league has been lifted for the start of the 2026 season. Only Korean goalkeepers have been allowed to play in the K League, the oldest professional domestic league in Asia, since 1999. The rule was introduced in a bid to protect homegrown talent when there were only 10 professional clubs.