Fixture Lists

The fixture lists for the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 are created with the help of software that was specially developed for the DFL.

The requirements of local authorities, safety bodies, the Central Information Centre for Sports Events (ZIS), international football associations (FIFA/UEFA), clubs, stadium operators and other stakeholders are taken into account when creating the fixture lists for the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2. In addition to obvious restrictions such as avoiding neighbouring clubs playing home matches at the same time, factors such as public holidays, other major events happening in the respective match locations and fixtures in international competitions must be taken into account. Factoring in all the relevant variables would be almost impossible without technical support. Even then, preparing the fixture list is anything but a simple task. Different circumstances and interests always have to be weighed up or reconciled in order to achieve the best possible outcome. In other words, human input remains indispensable. Initial planning for the next season begins in the spring, but things only really start to take shape once the identity of the promoted and relegated clubs is known. Hundreds of options are checked and discarded until the final fixture list is ready. However, the exact kick-off times can only be determined individually as the season progresses. One of the main reasons for this is international competitions, which can feature up to seven German clubs. Here, too, every effort is made to take account of the various demands and requirements.