News: Hwaseong FC to join K League 2, ASEAN Quota scrapped

The K League held its fifth board meeting of the year on Friday, 29th of December at the Swiss Grand Hotel in Hongeun-dong, Seoul, during the K League Awards Ceremony. Key items discussed and approved included the approval of Hwaseong FC's membership, the abolition of the Southeast Asia quota in K League 2, and the establishment of guidelines for stadium facility standards.

Hwaseong FC to join K League

The proposal for Hwaseong FC's membership in K League has been approved. Since 2013, Hwaseong FC has participated in the K3 League, winning the championship last year and finishing as runner-up this year. The club applied for K League membership in October, following its ongoing efforts since last year.

The K League board evaluated Hwaseong’s population size, municipal support, and the specifications and facilities of its home stadium, Hwaseong Sports Complex, concluding that the club meets the necessary conditions to join the K League.

Final approval will take place at the regular general meeting in January. If confirmed, Hwaseong FC will join K League 2 starting with the 2025 season, bringing the league to 14 teams, each playing 39 matches.

ASEAN Quota scrapped

The Southeast Asia (ASEAN) quota in K League 2 will be abolished starting in 2025. This follows the December 2023 decision to eliminate the Asian quota for both K League 1 and K League 2. Based on feedback from clubs that the Southeast Asia quota had limited utility, it was decided to phase it out.

In place of the quota, clubs will be allowed to register one additional foreign player regardless of nationality. From the 2025 season, the foreign player limits will be as follows:

K League 1: Up to six registered, with four allowed on the field simultaneously.

K League 2: Up to five registered, with four allowed on the field simultaneously.

'Stadium Facility Standards' established

To improve the quality of K League stadiums, the "Stadium Facility Standards Guidelines" have been introduced. These guidelines evaluate facilities in six areas: spectator amenities, match zones, staff areas, media facilities, safety and medical infrastructure, and eco-friendly sustainability. Stadiums will be rated from 1 to 4 stars based on these standards.

Starting in 2027:

K League 1 stadiums must achieve at least a two-star rating.

K League 2 stadiums must achieve at least a one-star rating to be used.

Poor pitch changes

A new regulation allows K League to order venue changes if the pitch condition is severely poor, rendering it unsuitable for matches. The home team may be required to find an alternative venue. This measure aims to enhance match quality, prevent injuries, and hold stadium operators accountable.

Adjusting schedules for international competitions

A new rule grants K League authority to adjust match schedules for teams participating in international tournaments, such as the AFC Champions League or FIFA Club World Cup, without requiring consent from opposing teams. This aims to support competing clubs while maintaining stability in the league schedule during tournament overlaps.

Amendments to various regulations

The League’s disciplinary committee can now impose penalties for violations of financial regulations, supplementing existing measures by the Financial Committee.

The AFC’s interpretation prohibiting military teams from participating in AFC tournaments has been formally included in licensing regulations.

To enhance financial transparency, clubs must adhere to conservative accounting principles, and those in full capital erosion must submit financial improvement plans to the Financial Committee.

Via K League press release