Overview
- Bernd Neuendorf has elevated the Kompass proposal to a top priority and plans an extraordinary DFB-Bundestag in December 2026 or January 2027 to force a final vote on the reform.
- The Kompass model would cut the current five Regionalligen to four, reassign clubs each season by shortest travel distances using technical support, and guarantee four direct promotions to the 3. Liga.
- Neuendorf appears to have plausible backing from the Bundesliga and regional bodies in the North, West and North-East, but the Südwest and Bavarian constituencies remain strongly opposed, leaving the outcome uncertain.
- Tensions inside the DFB have risen this week with a shortened regional conference agenda and sharp verbal clashes between officials, and some clubs and fan groups continue to press both for and against the change.
- Smaller semi-professional clubs warn the plan would increase travel, raise costs, produce more relegation pressure and might require pre-qualification rounds, so the Bundestag vote will be closely watched for financial and sporting consequences.