South Korea lifts 26-year ban on foreign goalkeepers in the K League

SEOUL, South Korea >> A 26-year ban on foreign goalkeepers in South Korea’s top soccer league has been lifted for the start of the 2026 season.

Only Korean goalkeepers have been allowed to play in the K League, the oldest professional domestic league in Asia, since 1999. The rule was introduced in a bid to protect homegrown talent when there were only 10 professional clubs.

The K League announced after a board meeting in Seoul this week that because there’s now 26 professional clubs in the top two tiers of competition, there’s enough room for international goalkeepers.

“The increase in the number of clubs means that there are enough opportunities for domestic goalkeepers to play even if foreign goalkeepers are allowed,” the board said in a statement. “We considered the fact that with foreign player registrations restricted, the salary increase rate of domestic goalkeepers has increased disproportionately to outfield players.”

There were reportedly concerns, due to the increased size of modern rosters which contain three or four goalkeepers, that there’s a shortage of quality keepers in the country.

No. 1 tennis player Jannik Sinner featured on Andrea Bocelli’s new single

ROME >> Top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner is featured on Andrea Bocelli’s new single, “Dust and Glory” that was released Friday.

The song, which blends Italian and English, mixes Bocelli’s vocals with spoken verses from Sinner.

It’s a tribute to the struggle and beauty of life’s journey, and “the fine line that turns dust into glory.”

There’s also an accompanying four-minute music video featuring private footage from the childhoods of both Italian stars, with current scenes filmed at Bocelli’s home in Tuscany.

“Talent doesn’t exist; it has to be earned,” Sinner says in the recording.

“Sharing this journey with Jannik was fascinating,” Bocelli said. “We’re from different worlds but close in commitment and discipline in the constant search for authenticity and beauty. I have always been his fan, fascinated not only by his talent, but also by his humility and his inner strength.”

Former NBA great Vlade Divac breaks a hip in motorcycle accident in Montenegro

PODGORICA, Montenegro >> Former NBA center Vlade Divac underwent emergency surgery after breaking a hip in a fall from his motorcycle in Montenegro, doctors said Friday.

The accident happened Thursday on a road near the Montenegrin Adriatic Sea coast. Hospital officials said the 57-year-old Divac sustained a fracture and that an artificial hip was implanted.

“During the day, a surgical procedure was performed,” said Ljubica Mitrovic, a spokeswoman of the hospital in the town of Risan. “He is in a stable general and physical condition and is under a careful supervision of the medical staff.”

The 7-foot-1 (2.16m) Serbian center started and ended his 16-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He also played for the Charlotte Hornets and Sacramento Kings. He was an All-Star in 2001. He later served as general manager of the Kings.

When he joined the Lakers in 1989, he was among the first group of European players to transfer to the NBA.

— The Associated Press