The DFB executive board has instructed the General Secretary, Holger Blask, to prepare for an extraordinary DFB Congress on December 18, 2026, to address the planned reformation of the regional league system.
The board announced on Friday that the highest governing body of the German Football Association will decide on potential changes to the structure of the fourth tier of the competitive pyramid. The goal is to ensure that champions from all regional leagues can qualify for promotion into the 3. Liga.
The proposals for these changes are based on what is known as the Compass Model. This model suggests reducing the five current regional league divisions to four. Each resulting division would comprise 20 teams and would be redrawn based on geographical criteria every season. The 2027/2028 season is slated to serve as a qualification phase, with the transition to the four-tier system implemented starting in the 2028/2029 season. The DFB intends to take over the operational management of the regional leagues.
DFB President Bernd Neuendorf stated that the promotion regulations in the regional leagues have been a persistent issue in German football for years and must now be resolved. He emphasized that it is “hardly understandable” for clubs, players, and fans if there are five champions, yet not all are able to achieve promotion to the 3. Liga. According to Neuendorf, the Compass Model received the most votes among the regional league stakeholders across the country and offers the potential for stronger talent development.
