KOVO changes foreign player recruitment system in Korean Volleyball League

The Korean Volleyball Federation (KOVO) has announced significant changes in foreign player recruitment system — switching from selection format to free transfer system, while maintaining strict financial restrictions.

The changes announced this Wednesday mark the end of a selection era that lasted about a decade — the old system required players to undergo trials and submit to club lottery system.

Ko Hee-jin, coach of Daejeon JungKwanJang Red Sparks, emerged as a strong supporter of this change. His support was revealed during the farewell of Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi, an Indonesian opposite player who made major contributions to Red Sparks over the past two seasons.

Under the old system, clubs struggled to find player replacements mid-season — this impacted the quality of foreign players in the league. Megawati herself proved her success by leading Red Sparks to playoffs and title contention in two consecutive seasons.