The DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga, organising body of the Men’s Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2, has announced financial aid to help 3rd Division League (3. Liga) and Women’s Bundesliga (FLYERALARM Frauen-Bundesliga) clubs stave off a potential financial crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. The clubs will receive €7.5m from a €20m solidarity fund created by Germany’s four UEFA Champions League participants FC Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

The fund will be divided equally among the clubs from the 3rd Division League and Women’s Bundesliga. Clubs from the Men’s Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2, which are represented by teams in the 3rd Division and Women’s Bundesliga, have agreed to waive their share of the money. Therefore, a total of 25 clubs will have access to the total sum of €7.5m.

“This is a strong act of solidarity, for which we are incredibly thankful towards the DFL and the 36 Bundesliga clubs, especially Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Bayer 04 Leverkusen. We can only overcome this crisis together, when we act as one, because there is only one football,” said Fritz Keller, President of the German FA, Deutscher Fußball-Bund (DFB).

“The Bundesliga clubs exemplify this cohesion in a brilliant manner with their financial support of the 3. Liga and FLYERALARM Women’s Bundesliga. It shows that we are fighting together for the good of our football and that we won’t give up on any club. After the most recent discussions, I hope that it will help third tier clubs in particular to envisage suitable conditions and opportunity for the resumption of the league,” Keller added in his statement published on the DFB website.

The DFL is responsible for entire operations of Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2, while all other leagues from the 3rd Division downwards are organised and run by directly the DFB. The DFB is also in charge for all Women’s leagues and youth leagues.