DFB to hold extraordinary convention to reform Regionalliga promotion

The German Football Association (DFB) has announced an extraordinary federal convention (Bundestag) scheduled for December 18, 2026, to resolve the long-standing structural issues within the Regionalliga. The goal is to reform the promotion system for the fourth tier of German football, which currently prevents all regional champions from ascending to the 3. Liga.

Under the proposed ‘Kompassmodell’ (Compass Model), the four regional leagues would each consist of 20 teams, reorganized geographically each season. This model aims to ensure that all league winners earn promotion, eliminating the current system where only four out of five champions can move up, often necessitating playoff matches.

If approved, the 2027/2028 season would serve as a qualification period, with the new four-track structure implemented for the 2028/2029 season. The DFB is expected to take over the responsibility for the Regionalliga as part of this reform.