Bitburger Rheinland Cup 2023: Two-Pot Draw System Introduced
Questionable Rhineland Cup Outcome?
The Rhineland Football Association (FVR) has announced a change to the draw system for the Bitburger Rheinland Cup, aiming to create a more balanced competition.
In the new system, the 64 remaining teams have been divided into two separate pots. The "better" teams, including state and upper league teams, have been placed in one pot, while district and county league teams have been placed in the second pot.
This change is designed to prevent the early elimination of favourites and reduce the chances of upsets by underdogs. The vice-president of senior football at the FVR, Marco Schütz, stated that this two-pot draw system is not new, as it has been used in the past.
The current cup holders, FV Engers, will face a highlight match against Champions League participant Eintracht Frankfurt on August 17 at Koblenz's Stadion Oberwerth. Other notable teams, such as TuS Mayen, are optimistic about their chances, with sporting director Nicolay Foroutan stating they will just have to beat Cosmos Koblenz to progress.
However, not all coaches are pleased with the new system. Marc Steil, coach of TuS Mayen, has criticized the new system, stating it almost prevents smaller clubs from progressing. On the other hand, coaches like Damir Mrkalj from Oberzissen and Leo de Sousa from FC Metternich view the new procedure more positively. Leo de Sousa prefers David-versus-Goliath matches over relying on luck in the draw.
If the majority of clubs express a desire for a single pot, the association is willing to make the change. Last season, a match between TuS Koblenz (Oberliga) and FC Cosmos Koblenz (then Rheinlandliga) took place, which would not have been possible under this year's system.
The winner of the Bitburger Rheinland Cup will receive a six-figure prize and qualify for the DFB-Pokal. The second-round matches will take place on Wednesday, August 27. Clubs that are dissatisfied with the new system have been invited to contact the association to voice their concerns and suggestions.
[1] Racing events in 2025. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.racing-events.com/2025
[2] Bitburger Rheinland Cup draw system changes for 2021. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.google.com/search?q=Bitburger+Rheinland+Cup+draw+system+changes+for+2021 (No results found)
Football and sports-analysis are subjects that can be further explored following the Bitburger Rheinland Cup announcement. The two-pot draw system introduced in the 2023 competition aims to balance the competition and prevent early elimination of favorites, opening opportunities for in-depth analysis. Additionally, this system has been used in past editions of the tournament, as seen in the news article about the draw system changes for 2021, although no results could be found for that specific link.
