Regional League Reform: DFB Secret! This day determines German football.

The fate of German football is set for May 14, 2026, when the question of the Regionalliga reform and the promotion of all champions to the 3rd Liga will be decided. Regional and state association presidents of the DFB will gather during the DFB Women’s Cup final between FC Bayern Munich and VfL Wolfsburg in Cologne to assess club opinions from all five Regionalliga divisions.

After 14 years of conflict and structural disadvantages since 2019 for clubs in Bayern, the North, and the East, trust in the regional associations has been completely depleted. There were intrigues, tricks, delays, and power struggles behind the scenes for over a decade. The DFB bosses have appeared divided to avoid finding a solution, but in reality, they worked together against new proposals in the backrooms.

On May 14, 2026, stakeholders will choose between two models: the Compass Model, which promises a return to fairness and involves refining it in a DFB commission with club representatives, and the Regional Model, which has been criticized since 2018 for forcing teams from the North, Bayern, and the East into two divisions, posing economic risks for both big and small clubs.

Tommy Haeder from the Promotion Reform Initiative emphasizes the need for the Compass Model to unite football instead of further dividing it. He advocates for a balanced solution for all regions and clubs. Active fan groups across the country support the Compass Model, recognizing the need to unite for the future of the sport.

The newly introduced Two-Phase Model from the Bavarian Football Association will not play a role in the decision, as it was not timely brought into the DFB working group process. Haeder stresses the importance of clear commitments from clubs, support from fans, and trust that their values will prevail in the end. The decision needs to be made without delay to ensure a positive outcome for all parties involved.