1860 Munich take relegation fight to DFB federal court - what are their chances to survive the drop?

Just over two weeks after being denied a license for the 2026/27 3. Liga season, TSV 1860 Munich are continuing their legal fight against relegation.

The DFB has officially confirmed that the club's complaint will be reviewed by the federation's Federal Court. A hearing is expected to determine whether the financial guarantees reportedly provided by investor Hasan Ismaik can still be recognized despite being submitted after the relevant deadline.

The Munich club was relegated to the fourth-tier Regionalliga Bayern earlier this month after failing to provide proof of liquidity required to secure its 3. Liga license. According to reports, approximately €2.7 million was missing from the club's financial documentation before the deadline expired.

Although the appeal offers a glimmer of hope for supporters, the chances of a successful outcome appear limited. German media reports indicate that sports law experts view the case as difficult because the licensing deadline had already passed when the required funds were allegedly made available.

The situation has further intensified the long-running conflict between 1860 Munich and investor Hasan Ismaik, whose relationship with the club has been strained for years. The failure to secure the necessary funding ultimately led to the loss of the license and the club's second administrative relegation in less than a decade, following a similar fate in 2017.

Should the appeal be rejected, 1860 Munich will have to begin life in the Regionalliga Bayern, while attention could quickly shift toward restructuring the club and determining its future ownership model. The matter is also expected to be a major talking point at the club's upcoming members' meeting.

For now, however, the Lions still have one final chance to avoid the drop - even if the odds are firmly against them.