Regionalliga Süd (1994–2012)

The Regionalliga Süd was a German football league, one of several third-tier leagues below the 2. Bundesliga. It existed from 1994 to 2012, primarily covering the southern states of Germany.

History and Structure:

Established in 1994 as part of a league restructuring, the Regionalliga Süd served as a stepping stone between amateur football and professional leagues. Initially, it was one of four Regionalligen (North, North-East, West/South-West, and South). From 1994 to 2000, the Regionalliga South champion and runner-up were directly promoted to the 2. Bundesliga.

In 2000, the number of Regionalligen was reduced from four to two (North and South). This meant only the champion of the Regionalliga Süd was directly promoted to the 2. Bundesliga. The runner-up would participate in a promotion playoff against the runner-up of the Regionalliga Nord.

Dissolution:

In 2008, the 3. Liga was introduced, placing itself between the 2. Bundesliga and the Regionalligen. This reform relegated the Regionalliga Süd to the fourth tier. In 2012, another league restructuring saw the dissolution of the Regionalliga Süd. It was replaced by the Regionalliga Bayern, Regionalliga Südwest and Regionalliga West/Südwest Playoff. The clubs from the former Regionalliga Süd were then distributed among these newly formed leagues, primarily the Regionalliga Bayern and Regionalliga Südwest.