Seoul:Both the champion and the last-place team in South Korean football's K League could be decided this weekend as the league's 12 clubs prepare to split into two groups for the final stage of the season. The 33rd round of matches will see all six games kick off simultaneously at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the top six teams will advance to Final A, while the bottom six will compete in Final B following the weekend's matches. FC Seoul, leading with 66 points, can secure their first championship in a decade if they defeat Gangwon FC at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, regardless of the outcome of Ulsan HD FC's match against Pohang Steelers.
Ulsan, currently trailing by 16 points, can only delay FC Seoul's championship if they win and FC Seoul either loses or draws. Meanwhile, Gwangju FC, languishing at the bottom with 18 points, will confirm their last-place finish if they lose to Bucheon FC, as they are 14 points behind.
Despite typically facing automatic relegation, Gwangju FC will be spared this year as Gimcheon Sangmu FC will relocate to K League 2 next season. Gwangju, with just two wins this season, will instead face a promotion-relegation playoff against a K League 2 team.
In Final A, FC Seoul, Ulsan, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, and Gangwon have secured their places, while Daejeon Hana Citizen FC and Jeju SK FC are vying for the remaining spots. Incheon United, in seventh place, can still surpass Jeju for a spot in Final A when they meet at Incheon Football Stadium. Jeju needs at least a draw to maintain their position, while Incheon will rely on forward Stefan Mugosa, who has scored in his last two matches, to make a difference.