According to Bild, football fans across Germany are eagerly anticipating this day. The most unfair promotion decisions in the various leagues are finally expected to become history.

At its meeting on Friday, the DFB Presidium decided to commission Dr. Holger Blask, DFB General Secretary, to prepare for a special DFB Bundestag to be held on December 18, 2026, with the participation of relevant vice presidents. The DFB announced this decision. This move is aimed at promoting reform of the regional leagues. The DFB's highest body will decide on possible adjustments to the structure of the fourth-tier league, based on which all regional league champions will be promoted to the 3. Liga in the future.

Currently, only 4 clubs out of 5 regional leagues can be promoted to the 3. Liga. This means that promotion playoffs are held every year, with one champion ultimately left out and remaining in the fourth tier. In the future, this situation will be changed through the so-called "compass model." The 5 divisions will each consist of 20 teams and will be rearranged geographically each season. The 2027/2028 season will serve as a qualification season, with the five-group system officially implemented in the 2028/2029 season. As planned, the DFB will take over hosting rights of the regional leagues.

DFB President Bernd Neuendorf considers this a key task. He stated: "The promotion rules for the regional leagues have plagued German football for years and must now be resolved. For clubs, players, and fans, it is difficult to understand why there are five champions, but not all teams can be promoted to the 3. Liga. The 'compass model' received the strongest support in the votes of the regional league organizers and clubs. It also provides an opportunity to improve competitive quality and thus promote talent development. Therefore, we are carefully preparing the decision for the special Bundestag. At that time, the delegates will make a binding decision on how to establish a long-term viable and fair set of rules."

Currently, the DFB Bundestag has a total of 255 delegates with voting rights, including members of the Presidium and Board of Directors, as well as representatives of the DFB's state and regional associations. Additionally, there are honorary members, members of the Audit Committee, members of the Ethics Committee, and members of the DFB's various committees.

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