What’s Changing in K League for 2025 Season?
Hwaseong FC Joins K League 2
Hwaseong FC will compete in K League 2 this season, bringing the total number of clubs in the K League system to 26—comprising 12 teams in K League 1 and 14 in K League 2. The 2025 K League 2 season will feature a total of 275 matches, with each team playing 39 games.
Expanded Foreign Player Quotas in K League 1 & 2
From this season onwards, foreign player regulations will change as follows, regardless of nationality:
- K League 1: A maximum of six foreign players can be registered, with up to four allowed on the pitch at the same time.
- K League 2: A maximum of five foreign players can be registered, with up to four allowed on the pitch at the same time.
The previous "Asian quota" and "Southeast Asian quota" systems have been abolished.
[READ: K League 2's nearest away matches in 2025]
Introduction of Concussion Substitution Rule
To enhance player safety, the K League will introduce a concussion substitution rule this season. This follows the International Football Association Board’s (IFAB) final approval of the rule in March 2024.
Each team will be allowed one concussion substitution per match, which will not count towards their standard substitution quota. Additionally, if a team uses a concussion substitute, their opponent will also be granted an extra substitution beyond the regular limit. The team's medical staff will decide whether to make a concussion substitution.
Foreign-Born Homegrown Rule
A new homegrown rule will be introduced for youth players of foreign nationality who have spent a significant period developing in South Korea.
If a foreign player has been registered with a domestic amateur team for three consecutive years or a total of five years before their first professional contract, they will be classified as a domestic player rather than taking up a foreign player slot.
Upon signing their first professional contract, these players will be subject to the K League’s rookie contract regulations, and each club may register one such player under this rule.
Venue Changes for Poor Pitch Condition
If a pitch is deemed severely unplayable, the league will have the authority to either swap home and away fixtures or require the home team to secure an alternative venue.
This rule aims to enhance match quality, prevent injury, and hold stadium operators accountable for pitch conditions.
[READ: Winter 2025 K League 1 Transfer Trends]
Fixture Adjustment for ACL and International Tournaments
To support clubs participating in international competitions such as the AFC Champions League (ACL) and FIFA Club World Cup, the K League will be able to adjust fixtures without requiring the opposing team's consent.
This measure is designed to strengthen the competitiveness of Korean clubs in international tournaments while ensuring league schedule stability.
Other Notable Changes
Special Player Registration Period from June 1 to June 10
Amendments to Various Regulations
Loan System Adjustments
The maximum number of players a club can loan in or out will increase from five to six, in line with FIFA regulations. The number of players that can be loaned between two specific clubs will rise from one to three. The maximum loan duration remains at one year.
Introduction of the ‘K League Financial Manager’ System
The league will introduce a centralised financial management system to digitise, standardise, and improve the accuracy and transparency of club financial records. This system is set to launch in April 2025.
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