TSV 1860 Munich denied third-division licence, drops to Regionalliga for second time since 2017

Licence denied at the deadline

TSV 1860 Munich will play in the Regionalliga next season after failing to secure a licence for the 3. Liga. The club could not present the required liquidity proof to the German Football Association (DFB) before the Wednesday 17:00 deadline. According to media reports, the shortfall amounts to 2.7 million euros. The club itself attributed the failure to an unfulfilled financing commitment from shareholder Hasan Ismaik and companies connected to him.

The cause is an unfulfilled financing commitment from our shareholder Hasan Ismaik and the companies associated with him.

The DFB must still formally review the case, but the licence denial is considered imminent. This marks the second time the club has suffered a forced relegation, following the same fate in 2017. On that occasion, 1860 Munich won immediate promotion back to the third tier and established themselves there, though they never came close to reaching the 2. Bundesliga.

Ismaik's response

Hours after the deadline passed, the Jordanian investor posted a message on his Facebook account, which has nearly 250,000 followers. He acknowledged the licence denial before striking a defiant tone about the club's future.

Nevertheless, I am convinced that TSV 1860 Munich will one day return to the place it deserves. This club is bigger than a single season and bigger than any crisis.

He described 1860 as standing on a proud foundation of history, tradition and passionate fans. In a separate WhatsApp message to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, he wrote simply: "Sad day." Numerous fans responded to his Facebook post with insults in the comment section.

The ripple effect in the 3. Liga

The forced relegation opens a vacancy in the third division. Under DFB statutes, TSV Havelse, as the highest-placed among the four sportingly relegated clubs, is entitled to claim the spot. Havelse has already submitted the required licensing documents to both the DFB and the Lower Saxony Football Association.

TSV Havelse has submitted all required documents for the 3. Liga, the Regionalliga Nord and the U19 Nachwuchsliga on time and in full to the DFB and NFV, and has participated in the respective licensing and admission procedures.

The statement was signed by departing managing director and board member Florian Riedel. If Havelse receives a positive decision, the club would remain in professional football despite its sporting relegation. Earlier rumours had suggested Havelse might not wish to stay in the 3. Liga, which had kept hopes alive at FC Erzgebirge Aue, the 18th-placed team also sportingly relegated. Those hopes now appear dashed.

Stadium question returns

Should Havelse secure the licence, the club will once again face the issue of where to play its home matches. The Wilhelm-Langrehr-Stadion in Garbsen still does not meet third-division requirements. Havelse plans to continue using the Eilenriedestadion in Hannover, thanking neighbours Hannover 96 for their cooperation.

A fresh start with fewer resources

For 1860 Munich, the drop into the Regionalliga means a comprehensive sporting restart with significantly reduced financial means. The crisis was triggered by the cancellation of a loan agreement by Hasan Ismaik and his advisory team. The club now faces the task of rebuilding from the fourth tier, as it did after the 2017 forced relegation.