Proposed Extraordinary DFB Bundestag Meeting in 2026 by the Club Initiative
Turning the Tide in Soccer: Regional League Reform and the DFB Bundestag
It's shaping up to be a pivotal year for German soccer as the "Promotion Reform" initiative wades through the knotty issue of the Regional League. Spokesman Tommy Haeder, however, leaves room for a special DFB Bundestag in 2026 to settle the matter.
Timeline Adjusted, Extraordinary DFB Bundestag on the Horizon
Our outlet FERNSEHEN (June 2nd, 2025, 14:01 UTC)
Link to the interview
Media Rights: MIDDLE GERMAN BROADCASTING
Interview
Main Points
June 2025, 16:54
The "Promotion Reform" club initiative has held talks with all regional associations, and while a breakthrough has yet to materialize, they're moving forward with a revised timeline. The group candidly discusses the need for a decision in the DFB Bundestag to provide a mandate for the working group they're establishing.
Tommy Haeder, business manager of Chemnitzer FC and leader of the reform group, stated: "Our aim is to name the club representatives for the working group as swiftly as possible and kick things off. From there, we need a green light from the DFB Bundestag to authorize the working group to a certain extent."
Such an authorization would require an extraordinary DFB Bundestag held in the first half of 2026, paving the way for Regional League reform. A digital gathering could also be considered. In the absence of an extraordinary DFB Bundestag, the existing regulations would remain in place until at least 2030.
Jumpstarting the Process
The role of neutral mediator with strong leadership is critical, as Haeder explains: "We can't afford blind optimism. A transparent vote on whatever the working group produces is essential. The exact timing—November 2025 or March 2026—isn't our top priority, as the changes won't take effect for another two years anyway."
Bernd Neuendorf, DFB president, has already expressed his willingness to mediate in the event of a possible Regional League reform3.
The Long Haul Ahead
Haeder refers to Bernd Neuendorf for the working group's set-up. Although there have been no clear rejections from anyone within the DFB, Haeder insists on a neutral mediator with leadership capabilities to tackle the hurdles the working group will encounter during the reform process.
Everything should move as quickly as possible, as applications to the DFB Bundestag must be submitted by September 7. The formation of the working group could even come with a specific goal, such as a four-division structure for the Regional League, with details to be negotiated afterward.
In the past two weeks, Haeder has traveled the country to present the club group's ideas to representatives from the North German Football Association and other regional associations.
Missing Key Figures
Notable absences during the meetings in the North, West, and Bavaria with regional presidents Ralph-Uwe Schaffert, Peter Frymuth, and Christoph Kern have added complications to the initiative4.
Controversy Over West Vice Schnieders' Statement
The situation is more perilous in the West German Football Association, as vice president Manfred Schnieders has raised questions about the assumption that a champion has the right to promotion4. This critical statement ruffled the feathers of the reform movement, with Haeder stating, "I can't fathom any other sport where it's questioned whether a champion ascends to the next higher class."
The "Promotion Reform 2025" Initiative Encounters Diverse Reactions
The West German Football Association remains unconvinced of the need for a near-term structural reform4. A more favorable response was received from the Southwest Regionalliga GmbH, as the organization offered to leverage its expertise if new GmbHs are established to oversee the four new regional leagues4.
However, the Hessian Football Association has resisted switching to the East Regionalliga for now, but a final decision is yet to be reached after a survey among all Hessian regionalliga teams4.
The Bavarian Football Association's primary concern is to ensure a proportional number of Bavarian starting places in the fourth tier while maintaining club cohesion4. In July, all Bavarian clubs will be heard at the Bavarian Regional League meeting, potentially softening previously held positions.
The East Is United
The reform movement is gaining momentum as more clubs from various regions join the initiative. In the spirit of unity, it's essential that everyone comes together to tackle this pressing issue and promote fairness in soccer.
Recent News
- Hansa Rostock and three Regional League clubs join North East initiative
- First West clubs join North East initiative
- DFB offers mediation role in reform dispute
- Football: DFB leadership joins debate on Regionalliga reform
- DFB: Regionalliga reform must be consensus-based (pending extraordinary DFB Bundestag in 2026)
Help us serve you better by letting us know your thoughts!
Zicke0270: "What arrogance from Schneider! The champion has the right to promotion! Why not just expand the third league? It would make the league more interesting! 5 champions = promotion, 5 relegated."
Berlina: "@Schneider's statement: 'Why should a champion have the right to promotion?' What nonsense is that supposed to be? If there are more such experts, there will probably be no fair solution in the long run."
Eistaenzer: "Not acceptable, Schneider! Protest week after week!"
Open Comments
- Football clubs and regional associations continue their discussions on the "Promotion Reform" initiative, seeking fairness in soccer.
- The working group, once established, will require a mandate from the DFB Bundestag to authorize its actions, possibly leading to a reform of the Regional League.
