K League stadiums to be graded... K1 clubs required to have at least two stars starting in 2027

*This content was translated by AI.

The Korea Professional Football League has launched the 'K League Stadium Certification Committee' and decided to introduce a stadium grading system.

The league announced on this day that it held a meeting of the 'K League Stadium Certification Committee' on the 16th at the fifth floor of the Football Association building.

The Stadium Certification Committee is a specialized body responsible for reviewing and providing advisory opinions on the 'K League Stadium Certification System,' which will be implemented starting in 2027.

The league explained that it was established to advance stadium facility standards and ensure systematic operation of the certification system.

The 'K League Stadium Certification System' objectively evaluates stadiums across various areas including spectator environment, player facilities, safety facilities, accessibility for persons with reduced mobility, and grounds, assigning ratings from one star to four stars based on facility levels.

K League 2 clubs will be required to obtain at least a one-star certification, while K League 1 clubs must secure at least a two-star certification to use their home stadiums.

The chairman of the K League Stadium Certification Committee will be Jung Seong-hoon, vice president of DLA+, a U.S.-based sports design firm. The committee members include Park Ju-ho (CEO) from 'Dortmund International Academy Korea', Lee Gwang-chae (CEO) from 'SaramgwaMirae', Hong Yun-hee Lee (President) from the 'Moo-ui Foundation', Kim Dae-hwan (Prof.) from the Department of Marine Sports at Pukyong National University, and Ha Seung-myeong (Team Lead) from the Pitch Assist Team of the Korea Professional Football League.

The league stated that during today's meeting, discussions were held on the operational direction and evaluation criteria for the K League Stadium Certification System. Committee members exchanged opinions on establishing certification standards to objectively assess stadium facility levels and ensuring stable operation of the system.

In the future, the Stadium Certification Committee will conduct certification reviews and provide advisory services in areas such as spectator environment, player convenience facilities, safety management, accessibility for persons with reduced mobility, smart stadiums, and turf management to create a stadium environment suitable for professional soccer matches. It will also be responsible for selecting stadiums that offer excellent playing environments.

The league announced that it plans to operate the stadium certification system based on the 'K League Stadium Facility Standards GuideLINE' and encourage continuous facility improvements by clubs, adding, "Through this initiative, we aim to create a safe and comfortable stadium environment that satisfies both fans and players."

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*This content was translated by AI.