The South Korean professional football league (K League) will start its 2020 season on 8 May, with the opening match to be broadcast live in 17 countries.

With Sportradar leading the broadcast distribution, 12 channels around the world have confirmed they will be showing live K League matches.

German based channel Sportdigital Fussball will air matches in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, while other countries to show coverage include China, India, Hong Kong, Croatia, Serbia and Montengro.

Sportradar signed an exclusive partnership with the K League last December, becoming its international broadcast rights distributor.

The new season of K League 1, the top division of football in South Korea, was meant to get underway in February, but was delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It was announced on 6 May that social distancing in the country was easing, with certain mutli-use facilities to be reopened on a restricted basis.

The K League will be played without supporters and with special measures in place, such as the banning of handshakes, and coaches having to wear face masks.

Sportradar audiovisual sales director, Dylan Chuan, said: “Live sport is an integral part of daily life for many people around the world, especially in these difficult and unique times. With the K League season kicking off on Friday, we are delighted to have worked with our partners – media companies, broadcasters and OTT platforms to deliver great entertainment and pulsating football action to fans across the globe.”

On Wednesday, it was announced the German Bundesliga will be resuming later this month.