General
Mandatory Participation in Virtual Bundesliga from This Season, DFL Declares!
The Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) has officially incorporated the Virtual Bundesliga (VBL) into its league statutes, marking a significant step towards the professionalization of eFootball in Germany. This decision was reached during the DFL’s general assembly on Monday, with clubs from both the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga unanimously agreeing to the move.
The Virtual Bundesliga, which has been in existence for a decade, is now set to be recognized as the official eFootball competition for clubs in the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga. This move further establishes the Virtual Bundesliga Club Championship as the premier eFootball competition in the country.
Starting from this 2023/24 season, clubs from both leagues are expected to participate in the Virtual Bundesliga Club Championship. Based on insights from previous seasons, specific criteria have been set for participation. Clubs are required to maintain an eFootball team consisting of three to five players, appoint a full-time individual responsible for eFootball, and operate a designated eFootball main venue equipped with the necessary technical infrastructure.
Germany’s professional football scene continues to lead the way in eFootball, as evidenced by the establishment of the Virtual Bundesliga ten years ago. This pioneering spirit is further highlighted by the integration of an eFootball competition into the licensing regulations and statutes.
Licensing Procedure with Sanctions
The VBL criteria will be assessed as part of the licensing process from the 2023/24 season onwards. While sanctions are planned for non-compliance with VBL licensing criteria, these will not impact the regular operations and competitions of the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga. Temporary exceptions may be granted in justified cases.
A Look Back and Ahead
The DFL, in collaboration with EA SPORTS, launched the VBL in 2012, making it the first professional football league to introduce an eSport competition integrated directly into the EA SPORTS FIFA game.
The increasing popularity of the VBL and the growing significance of eSport led to the introduction of the VBL Club Championship in 2018, featuring teams from the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga. Both competitions culminate in the VBL Open Playoffs and the VBL Grand Final.
Furthermore, since 2020, the DFL has been collaborating with the world’s largest eSport company, ESL. With ESL’s expertise in developing and expanding digital sports ecosystems, the DFL aims to further enhance and professionalize the VBL.
For more details on the competition, visit virtual.bundesliga.com.
Note: The DFL’s commitment to eFootball remains unwavering, as evidenced by the early renewal of the licensing agreement with EA Sports in 2020, a decision that will persist even after the name change to EA SPORTS FC.
