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German football Regionalliga reform debate
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2026-10-29 04:51 UTC → 2026-10-31 08:24 UTC ·
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The German Football Association (DFB) has proposed a major restructuring of the Regionalliga known as the ‘Compass Model’. This plan aims to reorganize the leagues into four geographically defined divisions of 20 teams each to minimize travel distances. A central feature of the proposal is the guarantee of direct promotion to the 3. Liga for each of the four regional champions, addressing current inequalities in the promotion system. To support this transition, the DFB intends to provide 2.5 million euros annually to regional associations and offer clubs an annual subsidy of 40,000 euros for the first four seasons. The plan also includes a central marketing strategy for broadcasting DFB President Bernd Neuendorf stated that the model provides “reliability” and sponsorship rights. follows a majority from a nationwide club survey. If approved by a two-thirds majority of the 257 delegates at the extraordinary federal congress on December 18, the new structure would begin in the 2028/2029 season, following a qualification period in 2027/2028. The proposal has met with significant opposition. The Bavarian Football Association (BFV) and various clubs are is supporting counter-proposals. Critics a counter-proposal known as the “22/5-Modell”, which would expand the 3. Liga to 22 clubs with five annual relegations. Critics, including FC Memmingen’s sporting director Serge Ahrens, argue that the DFB’s requirements—including DFB requirements regarding economic licensing and specific stadium capacity and floodlighting standards—may capacities of at least 2,500 could disadvantage smaller clubs by forcing a professionalized standard. clubs. Additionally, the reform has sparked backlash from fans regarding the potential loss of local derbies. A final decision is expected at Reports indicate the DFB Bundestag in Frankfurt on December 18. presidency decision was not unanimous, with six abstentions from amateur representatives.
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- 2026-10-31 08:24 UTC German football Regionalliga reform debate
- 2026-10-29 04:51 UTC German football Regionalliga reform debate
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