Title Race Tightens as Four Teams Share Summit of German 3. Liga
BERLIN, 31 January 2026 – The battle for promotion from Germany’s third division is intensifying, with four clubs locked on 21 points at the top of the 3. Liga table. Meanwhile, a significant legal ruling has clarified the employment status of referees in the division.
Recent Results Shake Up Standings
The final weekend of January provided drama, with Hansa Rostock securing a commanding 4-0 away victory over SV Waldhof Mannheim on 25 January. The following midweek saw TSV Havelse defeat Erzgebirge Aue 3-1 on 30 January, a result that keeps them in the hunt just below the leading pack.
The Four-Way Title Race
As of 31 January, the race for the two automatic promotion spots to Bundesliga 2 is remarkably close. MSV Duisburg currently leads the table, but they are only ahead of Energie Cottbus, SC Verl, and Hansa Rostock on goal difference, with all four teams tied on 21 points. This sets the stage for a compelling second half of the season.
Key 3. Liga Facts & Current Standings
| Position | Club | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MSV Duisburg | 21 |
| 2 | Energie Cottbus | 21 |
| 3 | SC Verl | 21 |
| 4 | Hansa Rostock | 21 |
| 5 | Rot-Weiss Essen | 19 |
Table shows top of 3. Liga as of 31 January 2026. The top two teams gain automatic promotion to Bundesliga 2.
Legal Ruling: Third Division Referees Are Not Employees
In a landmark decision with financial implications for the league, Germany’s Federal Labor Court (Bundesarbeitsgericht) has ruled that referees officiating in the 3. Liga are not considered employees. This overturns a previous ruling by the Cologne Regional Labor Court. The classification affects social security contributions and employment rights for match officials in the professional third tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3. Liga?
The 3. Liga is the third tier of professional football in Germany, sitting below the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2. It consists of 20 teams.
How does promotion from the 3. Liga work?
The champion and runner-up at the end of the season are automatically promoted to Bundesliga 2. The team finishing in third place enters a promotion/relegation play-off against the 16th-placed team from Bundesliga 2.
What was the recent court case about?
The Federal Labor Court ruled that referees in the 3. Liga are not employees of the German Football Association (DFB) or the clubs. This has significant implications for their legal status, social security, and benefits.
Which historic clubs are currently in the 3. Liga?
The division features several clubs with rich histories in German football, including former Bundesliga sides MSV Duisburg, Hansa Rostock, and Dynamo Dresden, who are all vying for a return to the second division.