Players from Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia and Singapore may soon be able to compete in all three divisions of the J-League.

The J-League will look to add a designated spot for players from Southeast Asian partner countries, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia and Singapore, according to a report on Chunichi Sports. The rule will be applied for all three levels of the J-League in 2014, as opposed to earlier reports that stated it will only be extended to the newly created J-League 3.



The spot will be separate from the current rule that allows for four foreigners including one for an AFC member, allowing clubs to now sign a maximum of five foreign players.

The rule change is a second such amendment to foreigner allocation rules since the J-League began in 1993 and it would help the league as they look to sell broadcasting rights and sponsorship positions across the Southeast Asian region.



The article also quotes an unnamed league official who says the Southeast Asian players are likely to feature in the lower divisions first.

"It may be too much to expect these players to be ready to play in the J1 immediately, but this could definitely contribute to the future growth of the league," he said.

Vietnam's Le Cong Vinh already plays for J-League 2 side Consadole Sapporo while Andik Vermansyah had a successful trial with Ventforet Kofu. Singapore's Hariss Harun and Safuwan Baharuddin have also been linked with moves to Japan.