The destination of the bottom club of the First League depends upon which Land of the Federal Republic it is a member, joining one of the Regionalligen (or regional leagues) in the east, center or west of the country. The three regional league champions are promoted to the First League, while three teams from the First League are relegated into the regional leagues. Participation in the professional First League is conditional on their licensing by the fifth senate of the federal league. If the license is refused for economic reasons, only two or less teams are relegated.