Floodlighting requirements in football by league

In the professional leagues, the DFL requirements apply. According to Annex VI to the licensing regulations (as of 5 December 2025), the floodlight system must reach at least 1,600 lx in the Bundesliga and at least 1,200 lx in the 2. Bundesliga, measured as illuminance in camera direction (Ecam).

If the floodlight system fails, this must not lead to abandonment: the stadium must ensure, for example with a backup power supply, that the match can be resumed within 30 minutes at the latest. For UEFA matches, separate requirements apply for each stadium category.

For the 3. Liga, the DFB sets the floodlighting requirements in the statute. At least 800 lx is required as the average illuminance in camera direction (Ecam). New facilities should reach 1,200 lx over the whole pitch and must be built in LED or an equally energy-efficient standard.

This is proved with a measurement report on the DFB form “Flutlichtanforderungen 3. Liga”. We design the system to these requirements.

In the Regionalliga, the requirements differ by division: Nordost, Südwest and Bayern require 400 lux on average, Nord at least 200 lm/m², West a floodlight system without a lux value in its admission guidelines.

For the reform with four Regionalligen from 2028/29, the DFB proposes at least 200 lux and, in the longer term, 400 lux. The DFB-Bundestag will decide on 18 December 2026. If you are building new now, you can therefore design the system for 400 lux or more right away.

For high requirements from about 500 lx there is the STL1500.

Each association regulates the Oberliga itself. Baden-Württemberg requires at least 300 lux for men, the NOFV generally 400 lux. Other regulations require sufficient or suitable floodlighting without a lux value.

The guide of the football associations of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia gives Class II with 200 lx for the Oberliga. Check the rules of play of your association before planning.

For local competitions, DIN EN 12193 permits Classes I, II or III. In practice this is usually Class III with 75 lx, and Class II with 200 lx for ambitious league play. The requirements of your state association are decisive.

If you retrofit today, you can design the system for 200 lx and dim it for training. That way the ground is also prepared for promotion.

For training, DIN EN 12193 provides Class II or III, that is 200 or 75 lx. According to the guide of the football associations, the bulk of club facilities are classified as Class III.

In training, half a pitch or a third of it is often enough. Switching in sections saves energy.

For school and recreational sport, Class III applies: at least 75 lx at a uniformity of 0.5 and glare up to GR 55. This also applies to municipal kickabout pitches and training areas.