Germany: a new optional U21 competition for professional clubs to be introduced in 2026-27

The members assembly of the Deutsche Fußball Liga has decided to introduce an additional U21 competition for Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga clubs starting from the 2026-27 season, announced the DFL on 03/03/2026.

Initially approved by the German league's executive committee, this initiative is the first concrete measure to come out of the temporary working group set up to "identify key development priorities for German professional football."

"The new competition is designed as a voluntary additional offer for all Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs to support the transition from youth to adult football, and complements the existing league system without requiring the removal of second teams. Participation does not require additional teams but is aimed at players already in the transition age groups from U17 to U21. Each team may also field up to four older players, in order to specifically promote young talents and, for example, facilitate the return of injured players after longer breaks," said the DFL, whose assessment is based on the following data: in 85% of all clubs, at least 18…