Five football clubs in Hesse have criticised the leading proposal to restructure Germany's fourth-tier Regionalliga, warning that the plan is not fully developed and risks damaging their finances.
The joint statement was issued by Offenbacher Kickers, Hessen Kassel, Steinbach Haiger, FSV Frankfurt and SG Barockstadt Fulda-Lehnerz. The five clubs said they are prepared to work constructively toward an agreement, but insisted that any solution requires a transparent process, reliable financial figures and an open examination of all competing models.
In their statement, the clubs warned that the sporting, organisational and economic consequences of any overhaul must be clearly demonstrated before major decisions are taken. They said different league models must be compared thoroughly on sound evidence, adding that a reform of this magnitude must not be approved on the basis of unresolved core principles.
Fears over lost derbies and revenue
The teams expressed particular concern over the geographical impact of the favoured compass model. Because of their central location in the state of Hesse, the clubs argued that the format could tear them away from their traditional regional association area, costing them attractive fixtures, local derbies and vital matchday income.
The five sides also rejected suggestions that Hessian clubs or the Regionalliga Südwest are attempting to block wider league reform. They pointed to the steps they have already taken to professionalise their own matchday operations, insisting that the Regionalliga Südwest should not be expected to resolve structural problems originating in other parts of the country.
The clubs emphasised that any lasting restructuring can only succeed through collective cooperation, rather than by singling out individual participants as obstacles.
Extraordinary DFB congress in December
German football authorities have debated regional league reform for years, with discussions focused on ensuring that all five regional champions can earn direct promotion to the 3. Liga at the end of each season. Under the present five-division setup, not every fourth-tier champion moves up automatically.
The proposed compass model seeks to resolve the issue by dividing the fourth tier into four divisions of 20 teams each, with clubs redistributed each season according to geographic coordinates. The German Football Association, known as the DFB, has called an extraordinary Bundestag on December 18 to vote on adopting a new structure.
