Duisburg's promotion in chaos: Financial problems threaten regional league clubs!

Duisburg's promotion in chaos: Financial problems threaten regional league clubs!

On April 24, 2025, the regional league is at an exciting climax, while the clubs fight for the promotion to the 3rd division. A clear picture is emerging in the different seasons: Lok Leipzig, the only leader among the five regional league seasons, does not have everything in his own hands on the fourth day of the match. Compared to others, it looks different here.

In the north, TSV Havelse has already won its championship and is qualified for the promotion to the relegation against Lok Leipzig or Halle FC. In the southwest relay, TSG Hoffenheim II is comfortable in front of the Kickers Offenbach with a ten-point lead and can also make it clear to Eintracht Frankfurt II next Saturday, reports mdr .

The rise of MSV Duisburg

In the Regionalliga West, the MSV Duisburg causes a sensation. The association won the championship and the promotion on Tuesday after KFC Uerdingen 05 hired the game. The cancellation of all points that Duisburg scored through games against Uerdingen makes the MSV championship a unable reality. This situation was confirmed by the West German Football Association (WDFV), as Sportschau

MSV Duisburg only needs one point in the game against Borussia Mönchengladbach II on Friday to secure the promotion to the 3rd league. President Christian Stiefelhagen has expressed mixed feelings about the climb, since the circumstances are anything but pleasant by the withdrawal of the KFC Uerdingen. In addition, the 1st FC Düren, even in financial difficulties, could withdraw its team in the near future. Trainer Dietmar Hirsch criticized the chaos around Düren and demanded a rethink.

financial challenges in the regional league

The current situation in the regional league is characterized by financial challenges. Again and again clubs register bankruptcy. Since the introduction of the 3rd league in the 2008/09 season, a total of 20 clubs in the regional league have passed. This fact not only records traditional clubs like Duisburg, but also many smaller clubs in the northeast that are overwhelmed by the constantly increasing costs.

In particular, the withdrawal of KFC Uerdingen and the bankruptcy of 1. FC Düren accelerates the discussion about necessary reforms. An initiative from the northeast has already made suggestions to improve the ascent regulation in order to reduce the pressure on the clubs and to make competitive conditions fair, according to the assessment of ZDF .

The city of Schweinfurt also plans to modernize its stadium because it is currently not suitable for third division. The renovation is expected to cost 3.62 million euros, of which 1.7 million euros have to be applied for lawn heating. The city administration has signaled its willingness to assume costs, but still needs the city council's consent to put the measure into practice.