Frankfurt / Main - With one of the most far-reaching interventions in the game and youth regulations, the German Football Association has cleared the way for a season end in all amateur and youth leagues.
For the first time in history, the season from the 3rd division to the lowest division can be extended beyond June 30th if necessary. If necessary and no demolition is wanted, "the 2020/2021 game year can begin at a later date or, if necessary, even be canceled in whole or in part," said DFB Vice President Rainer Koch in a statement from the association.
The DFB responded to the effects of the Corona crisis by making extensive changes to its rules of the game. In the course of a season extension, game entitlements, switching periods and contracts with players can be adjusted in time. In the event of a season break, special regulations on ascent and descent would also be possible.
"The package of measures now gives the 21 state and five regional associations responsible for amateur gaming operations the opportunity to react as statically as possible to this exceptional situation and new developments," said Koch.
Previously, the entire game and training operations in the amateur area had been suspended indefinitely. A possible continuation will be announced with a lead time of at least 14 days in order to provide all clubs with sufficient planning security, it said.
Amateurs help in the crisis
The principle that a game year begins on July 1 of a year and ends on June 30 of the following year is no longer valid for the next 15 months. With the beginning of the 2021/2022 season, the previous provisions should apply again.
Due to the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, the DFB also eases the penalties provided for in the statutes for possible bankruptcy cases in the 3rd league, the five regional leagues and the Bundesliga and 2nd Bundesliga for women. Should clubs from these divisions have to file for bankruptcy this season, the deduction of nine points for men and six points for women is no longer applicable.
If insolvency occurs in the coming season, three points will be deducted from the respective club in the men's division and two points for the women.
In the lower divisions, where a club is automatically identified as relegated in the event of bankruptcy, the responsible state associations may make different regulations for the duration of the transition period until the end of June 2021. "We made a big and very important step with this decision," said Peter Frymuth, DFB Vice President of Game Operations and Football Development. "This creates a good basis for tackling the next challenges in this special time." Dpa
