# DFB Regionalliga structural reform proposal

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dfb-regionalliga-structural-reform-proposal
> Updated: 2026-09-16T08:54:00.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

The German Football Association (DFB) has announced an extraordinary federal convention for December 18, 2026, to address structural issues in the Regionalliga. The proposed ‘Kompassmodell’ (Compass Model) seeks to reform the promotion system to the 3. Liga by reducing the five current regional divisions to four. Under this plan, each division would contain 20 teams reorganized geographically each season, ensuring all regional champions earn direct promotion.

Reaction to the proposal has been mixed. FC Bayern München CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has supported the plan as the ‘best compromise’ to prevent stagnation in German football. Conversely, the Regionalliga Südwest has expressed concerns regarding the model, specifically regarding club distribution and travel distances. There are also reports of confusion among clubs concerning promotion rights and future league management.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-16: DFB Regionalliga reform faces support and opposition

The DFB is proposing the ‘Kompassmodell’ to reform Germany's fourth tier, allowing all regional champions direct promotion. While FC Bayern's CEO supports the move, the Southwest region expresses concerns.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dfb-regionalliga-reform-faces-support-and-opposition

### 2026-09-11: DFB to hold extraordinary convention to reform Regionalliga promotion

The DFB has called an extraordinary convention for December 18, 2026, to vote on a Regionalliga reform aimed at ensuring all regional champions can promote to the 3. Liga via the ‘Kompassmodell’.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dfb-to-hold-extraordinary-convention-to-reform-regionalliga-promotion

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Cite as: DFB Regionalliga structural reform proposal. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dfb-regionalliga-structural-reform-proposal