Overview

• Tom Eilers, chair of the DFB 3. Liga committee, said promotion reform is “no longer a matter” for the third tier and must be settled at the fourth level.
• The Aufstiegsreform 2025 coalition has grown to 40 clubs—from Bundesliga heavyweights to amateur sides—all seeking guaranteed advancement for their regional champions.
• DFB leaders argue that enlarging the 3. Liga beyond 20 teams or introducing an extra relegation place would strain the competition calendar and logistical framework.
• President Bernd Neuendorf and committee officials pointed to last season’s record stadium attendance, TV viewership highs and €300 million in revenues as proof of the league’s thriving structure.
• Under current rules, only West and Südwest champions earn direct promotion while Nord, Bayern and Nordost winners rotate direct berths and playoffs determine the fourth promotion spot.