Forty clubs are advocating for a promotions overhaul, according to the DFB's declaration
In a bid to establish fairness and recognise sporting merit, 44 clubs from German football, including notable names like FC Schalke 04, Union Berlin, Dresden, Hertha, and Magdeburg, have joined forces to push for promotion reform between the Regionalliga (regional leagues) and the 3rd Liga (third division) [1]. The initiative, known as "Aufstiegsreform 2025," calls for automatic promotion for all regional league champions starting from the 2027/2028 season [1].
Currently, only three out of the five regional champions secure automatic promotion, while the others must compete in challenging playoffs. This system is widely seen as unfair and a denial of the champions’ achievements. The proposed reform aims to rectify this by guaranteeing a promotion slot for every regional champion [1].
However, the German Football Association (DFB) has expressed opposition to this reform initiative at the moment. Despite the widespread support for change, the DFB has publicly stated that it is "not on the train," meaning it is not aligned with or currently backing the proposed changes to the promotion system [2]. The DFB seems focused on the economic stability of the 3rd Liga and may view the current structure as necessary to maintain that balance [2].
This divergence between the clubs and the DFB sets the stage for ongoing debates about how best to structure German lower-league football promotion to balance fairness, competitiveness, and financial stability. The clubs argue that the Regionalliga champions should promote directly, while the DFB maintains that the issue needs to be resolved at the 4th division level [2].
The 3rd Division, which generated total revenues of around 300 million euros last season, has already made a significant contribution with the fourth relegation. Last season, pay-TV viewership in the 3rd Division also reached a record high, and the earnings of the 3rd Division clubs have doubled within the past six years [1]. Additionally, stadium attendance in the 3rd Division also reached a record high last season [1].
Despite the economic success of the 3rd Division, the DFB does not want to be pressured into discussing a new promotion rule from the Regionalliga to the 3rd Division. Committee chairman Eilers emphasized that the 3rd Division cannot be changed, and the remaining two champions determine the fourth promotion to the 3rd Division in playoff games [2]. Currently, only the champions of the Regionalliga West and Southwest directly promote, while the title winners of the North, Bavaria, and Northeast alternate with a direct promotion in a rotation system [2].
As the debate continues, both parties will need to find a solution that balances fairness, competitiveness, and financial stability in German lower-league football promotion. The ongoing discussions promise to shape the future of football in Germany for years to come.
References:
[1] "Aufstiegsreform 2025: 44 Vereine fordern direkte Aufstiege für die Regionalliga-Meister." [Link to source]
[2] "DFB lehnt Aufstiegsreform für die 3. Liga ab." [Link to source]
- The clubs, pushing for the "Aufstiegsreform 2025," advocate for automatic promotion for all Regional League champions, aiming to bridge the gap between sports fairness and employment opportunities in football, as exemplified by the 44 German football clubs involved.
- The ongoing debate between the football clubs and the German Football Association (DFB) surrounding promotion reform has expanded to include the discussion of community policy and employment policy, with both parties seeking a balance that ensures fairness, competitiveness, and financial stability within the lower leagues, potentially influencing the employment prospects of players and coaches involved in the 3rd Division.
