South Korea’s premier soccer league has eliminated a 26-year ban on non-native goalkeepers. Since 1999, only local players were allowed to assume this role in competition initially created to safeguard homegrown talent when just ten teams existed. A recent board meeting in Seoul confirmed that with 26 teams now in the top two divisions, the restriction will be removed for the upcoming 2026 season. Officials explained that incorporating international goalkeepers offers new competition while providing local players plenty of chance to participate. This change signals growth in the nation’s oldest professional league. Fans welcome this adjustment. Officials noted that the increase in clubs lets teams incorporate experienced international keepers while supporting local talent development, a move expected to spark more competitive play.
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