With a comprehensive package of measures, the German Football Association (DFB) wants to establish a more sustainable economy in the 3rd division and ensure that the division continues to develop.
As the DFB announced on Friday, the Presidium followed the recommendations of the Task Force “Economic Stability 3rd League” as well as the requests of the League Committee and decided on “extensive changes”. The single-track structure was also confirmed.
“We can be very satisfied with the work of the task force, the entire work process and the results,” said DFB Vice President Peter Frymuth, who is responsible for the 3rd division.
Tom Eilers, Chairman of the 3rd League Committee, said he was “confident that we will enable the 3rd division to become more professional and have created a basis on which the league will develop”.
3rd league: Good economic activity should be rewarded
The results in the final report show that the requirements for the capital requirement are to be tightened from the 2023/2024 season. In addition, the so-called Financial Fair Play of the 3rd league will be adapted and included as a condition in the approval process.
Violations will in future lead to sanctions that will be pooled for other clubs. Positive economic action, on the other hand, is rewarded.
Further changes will already apply for the coming season. The minimum capacity for stadiums will be reduced to 5,000 to accommodate clubs in smaller locations. In addition, the requirements for floodlights for improved TV transmissions and for underfloor heating are being increased.
3rd league: DFB wants more intensive fan dialogue
The clubs must also hold fan dialogues at least three times per season and appoint a full-time fan representative.
The task force was set up in 2020 by the DFB Bundestag. Representatives of the clubs, the DFB, the regional and state associations, the players, fans and politics as well as external experts discussed measures to ensure economic stability and anchoring the 3rd league in professional football.
