DFB clubs 'reaching their limits' as membership reaches 8.2 million

The German Football Federation (DFB) continues to grow with now 8.2 million members but this also brings challenges for the world's biggest single sports body.

The DFB said on Thursday that membership has risen by 1.1 million since 2022.

“Many clubs are reaching their limits when it comes to sports facilities, training slots, staff and organisation," DFB president Bernd Neuendorf said.

"That is why, together with our regional associations, we are working tirelessly to ensure that the framework conditions for amateur football are improved.”

While membership rose, the number of clubs in the country dropped 0.65% to 23,173. So did the numer of players, down 0.46% to 2.34 million.

The drop mainly affects the men's because the number of girls teams has risen by 630 to 6,662 teams. The number of referees also grew, for a third straight year, by 1,307 to 62,333.