1860 Munich is relegated
St. Pauli could now benefit from the licensing chaos
Updated June 3, 2026 – 8:32 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Financial problems at 1860 Munich could now trigger a chain reaction. In the end, FC St. Pauli would benefit from this.
The FC St Pauli have recently experienced bitter days in sport: the professionals were relegated from the Bundesliga and the U23s from the Regionalliga Nord. But for the little “Kiezkickers” there is suddenly hope again – because of the financial problems of a third division team.
TSV 1860 Munich had to prove financial resources of 2.7 million euros by 5 p.m. on June 3rd. But according to its own information, the club was unable to provide proof of liquidity to the German Football Association (DFB). The third division team wrote: “The reason for this is that our shareholder Hasan Ismaik and the companies associated with him have not fulfilled their financing commitment.”
Now the traditional club is relegated to the Bavarian Regional League despite staying in the league. The DFB still has to examine the case conclusively, according to the dpa news agency.
No license for 1860? This would save St. Pauli’s U23
TSV Havelse would initially benefit from relegation. Lower Saxony was 17th in the table. actually relegated from the 3rd league, but should now stay in the league. According to the DFB playing regulations, a club without admission automatically moves to the bottom of the table, and the number of relegated teams is reduced accordingly.
However, the effects would also be noticeable in Hamburg. If Havelse remained in the 3rd league, one place would remain free in the Regionalliga Nord. The U23 of FC St. Pauli could benefit from this. The team was athletic as 16th in the table. descended. According to the NFV playing regulations, in this case they would receive the free place and still remain in the regional league.
A comparable scenario last occurred in the 2020/21 season. At that time, KFC Uerdingen did not receive a license for the following season despite staying in the league. As a result, SV Meppen subsequently remained in the 3rd league.
Chaos at 1860 Munich decides Oberliga Hamburg
The Oberliga Hamburg is therefore also looking forward to Munich. If St. Pauli’s U23 stays in the regional league, the situation at SSG Nikola Tesla would ease. The club ended the season in 15th place and currently has to worry about staying in the league if Eimsbütteler TV misses promotion to the Regionalliga Nord.
The background: The Oberliga Hamburg has 18 teams and three relegated teams. Since two Hamburg clubs, Altona 93 and St. Paulis U23, have so far been relegated from the regional league, without ETV promotion, an additional league team would have to be relegated – that would be Nikola Tesla. If St. Pauli’s second representation remains in the regional league, the club would remain in the Oberliga Hamburg.