News: Sangmu FC extend stay in Gimcheon for one more year

Sangmu FC will stay in the city of Gimcheon for one more season following an agreement with the K League and the city government, with the decision made during a board meeting on Monday. Gimcheon City Government are also set to launch a citizen club in 2027.

K League held its second board meeting of 2025 on Monday 3rd February at the Korea Football Association headquarters in Seoul. During the meeting, the board approved several key agenda items, including the extension of Gimcheon Sangmu’s home city agreement, the designation of a special player registration period, and amendments to various regulations.

Extension of Gimcheon Sangmu’s Home City Agreement

The board approved the extension of the home city agreement between the K League, Gimcheon City, and the Armed Forces Athletic Corps from the original expiration date of December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2026. Gimcheon Sangmu had initially planned to transition into a citizen club after the 2025 season.

However, considering the current vacancy in the mayoral position, the time required for preparations due to the upcoming by-election, and the official expression of support from Gimcheon City and the city council for the transition, the board decided to approve the one-year extension.

Special Player Registration Period from June 1 to June 10

The K League has decided to adopt a 10-day special player registration period, which leagues with teams participating in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 are allowed to designate. According to FIFA’s Club World Cup regulations, a league with a participating team may set a special registration period from June 1 to June 10th, allowing clubs to strengthen their squads ahead of the tournament. This special registration period will apply to all teams in the K League, not just the participating club.

Additionally, the K League’s regular registration period for this year runs from January 17th to March 27th, while the additional registration period is set from June 13th to July 24th.

Amendments to Various Regulations

Previously, free agents with six months or less remaining on their contracts could only negotiate with other clubs but were not allowed to sign contracts. Under the new amendment, contract signings will be permitted after the player's current team has played its final league match of the season.

Furthermore, players subject to the newly introduced Homegrown Player System who are 22 years old or younger (born in 2003 or later) will now be counted toward the U22 quota, the same as Korean national players.

Lastly, in consideration of extreme heat conditions during summer, "heatwaves" have been added as a reason for match postponement or suspension under the league's adverse weather regulations.

Via K League press release, Yonhap