Former National Player Nils Petersen Advocates for Direct Promotion in Northeast German Regional Leagues
Introduction
Nils Petersen, a retired German footballer, has expressed his support for the North Eastern German regional league clubs’ demand for direct promotion. Petersen, known for his stints with Carl Zeiss Jena, Energie Cottbus, Bayern Munich, Werder Bremen, and SC Freiburg, believes that league champions should be rewarded with promotion.
Petersen’s Perspective
In a video statement posted on the Instagram channel supporting the promotion reform, Petersen declared, "Anyone familiar with my career knows I haven’t won many championships. But when I have, I’ve always been promoted. That’s why we play football and that’s what we want to win. That’s why we urgently need a reform in the regional league, and that’s what I support."
DFB’s Response
Despite Petersen’s support and the push from NOFV clubs, the German Football Association (DFB) has yet to find a solution to change the current promotion system. Manuel Hartmann, DFB’s Director of Operations, stated, "The crucial point is whether the clubs and associations can find solutions together at the fourth division level."
NOFV Clubs’ Proposals
In the face of DFB’s reservations, 17 out of 18 NOFV clubs have proposed a new plan to ensure a direct promotion spot for the league champion to the third division. Under the slogan "Promotion Reform 2025 – #championsmusthavepromotion," they aim to provide the North Eastern Football Association (NOFV) with suggestions for a motion at the DFB Bundestag in September.
Current Promotion System
The promotion system introduced in 2017 and modified in 2019 grants direct promotion to the champions of the two largest regional associations, Südwest and West. The remaining three associations rotate in providing a direct promotion slot. The other two associations must compete in a relegation playoff.
Petersen’s Argument
Petersen’s support for the NOFV clubs stems from his belief that winning a championship should be rewarded with direct promotion. He argues that teams that finish at the top of the league should not be forced into a playoff system, which introduces an element of uncertainty and diminishes the significance of winning the title.
Conclusion
The debate over promotion in the North Eastern German regional leagues is ongoing, with clubs advocating for change and the DFB expressing hesitation. However, with the support of influential figures like Nils Petersen, the movement for direct promotion gains momentum. The outcome of the NOFV clubs’ proposal and the DFB’s subsequent decision will shape the future of the league system in the region.
