Promotion playoffs in S. Korean football set for Nov.

All News 14:24 October 14, 2020

By Yoo Jee-ho

SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- Two playoff matches with a spot in South Korean club football's top division at stake will kick off next month.

The Korea Professional Football League (K League) announced fixtures for the two promotion playoff matches Wednesday. The top club from the K League 2 and the playoff winner will earn the promotion to the K League 1 for 2021.

This Sept. 26, 2020, file photo provided by the Korea Professional Football League shows Suwon FC forward Lars Veldwijk. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

From the top division, Sangnju Sangmu, the club comprising conscripted players, have been assured of relegation for next season, as part of a deal that will see them move to another city next year. The last-place K League 1 club will join Sangju in the K League 2 in 2021.

In the first round of the playoffs, the No. 3 and No. 4 teams in the K League 2 will clash on Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. The winning club will then go on to play the No. 2-ranked club on Nov. 21 at 3 p.m. The winner of that match will earn the promotion.

Both matches will be one-and-done affairs. If the score is tied after 90 minutes in both matches, then the higher-seeded club will be declared the winner.

In this Sept. 19, 2020, file photo provided by the Korea Professional Football League, members of Jeju United (in white) celebrate a goal during their 2-0 victory over Bucheon FC in a K League 2 match at Jeju World Cup Stadium in Seogwipo, Jeju Island. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Suwon FC are currently leading the K League 2 with 48 points. Jeju United also have 48 points but trail Suwon FC in the first tiebreaker, goals scored, by 45-43.

Seoul E-Land are in third at 34 points. Gyeongnam FC, Daejeon Hana Citizen and Jeonnam Dragons are all tied at 33 points apiece, and Gyeongnam have the most goals among them with 34.