To guarantee playing time for domestic goalkeepers, a ban was introduced in 1999 for clubs in the K-League to register foreign goalkeepers.
At that time, the league consisted of only eight clubs. Since then, it has grown to twelve teams and in 2013, a professional second division was also introduced.
The league organization states that the ban has led to "excessive wage increases" for South Korean goalkeepers compared to outfield players.
"The number of clubs has increased significantly since the restriction was introduced, so even if foreign goalkeepers are allowed, domestic goalkeepers will still have enough playing time," the league says in a statement.
The new rules come into force from the 2026 season.
