K-League attempt to stamp out match-fixing

The K-League is set to introduce a relegation system from 2013 to help prevent further match-fixing scandals.

The Korean top flight, currently featuring 16 teams, will be divided into two divisions based on results in 2012, the league announced on Monday.

Although it remains unclear as to how many teams will be promoted and relegated each campaign, the decision is being put in place to enforce heavier punishments on those involved in match-fixing.

“The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) asks for the size of the top division to be 12,” K-League secretary general Ahn Ki-heon said.

“We will consider this when deciding the number of teams for each division in discussions with the Korea Football Association (KFA).”

Under the system, any club whose players have been found to be involved in match-fixing would be relegated and points deducted from the corresponding fixtures.

Clubs could also be banned from competing in the AFC Champions League, while local league and cup competitions are also under review.

But the minimum wage is set to be doubled from 12 million won ($US11,350) to 24 million next year.

It comes after 46 current or former players were indicted for match-fixing in the league since late May and 10 were given life-long bans.