Bayern football association president Christoph Kern has delivered a scathing critique of the German Football Association’s (DFB) proposed Regionalliga reforms, dismissing the current plans as inadequate and demanding a significant expansion of the 3. Liga to 22 teams as a necessary solution.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with BR24Sport, Kern used the colloquial German phrase “Frankfurter Würstchen” to characterize the DFB’s reform proposals, indicating they are insufficient and poorly conceived. His criticism centers on the fundamental mismatch between the current structure – which would produce five Regionalliga champions competing for only four promotion spots – and the practical realities of league promotion, and relegation.
The DFB’s working group has presented two primary models for reform after extensive deliberations. The first, dubbed the “Kompassmodell,” would utilize artificial intelligence to realign clubs into four leagues of 20 teams each based on minimizing travel distances. Under this model, clubs like SpVgg Bayreuth and TSV Aubstadt would face opponents such as Erfurt, Jena, Hannover, and Luckenwalde, while most other Bavarian teams would compete in a Regionalliga Süd against clubs from Baden-Württemberg. Crucially, the league composition would be recalculated annually under this approach.
The second proposal, the “Regionenmodell,” would split the existing Regionalliga Nordost, Nord, and Bayern divisions into two leagues each, resulting in four leagues total with four champions and four automatic promotion spots. However, Kern argues both models fail to address core structural issues and would merely shift problems down to lower divisions like the Bayernliga.
“The working group has presented two proposals. We expected more,” Kern stated, expressing disappointment with the DFB’s efforts after years of operate on the reform. His primary concern is the lack of clarity regarding promotion and relegation mechanics in the Bayernliga if no Bavarian team is relegated from the Regionalliga – or if multiple teams go down.
Kern’s alternative solution focuses on expanding the 3. Liga from its current 20-team format to accommodate 22 clubs. This expansion, he argues, would resolve the promotion bottleneck by creating sufficient space for all Regionalliga champions seeking advancement. The BFV president insists this approach has broader support among fans, regional associations, and even within the DFB itself, despite the lack of consensus on the specific Regionalliga restructuring.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in German football governance between regional associations and the national DFB over league structure reforms. With the current Regionalliga setup featuring five divisions but only four promotion pathways to the 3. Liga, the mathematical imbalance has persisted for years without resolution.
As of April 17, 2026, the BFV is actively promoting its own reform proposal in response to the DFB’s stalled efforts. Kern’s intervention represents a significant escalation in the debate, moving beyond criticism of existing proposals to actively advocating for a structural solution centered on 3. Liga expansion.
The next critical checkpoint in this process will be the DFB’s response to the BFV’s demands and whether national authorities will consider expanding the 3. Liga as a viable path forward. Football administrators across Germany continue to seek a sustainable solution that balances competitive integrity, geographic considerations, and the practical realities of team promotion and relegation.
What do you think about the Regionalliga reform debate and Christoph Kern’s call for 22 teams in the 3. Liga? Share your perspective in the comments below and join the conversation on German football’s structural future.
