Hungarian Championship. Regional League
The Hungarian Regional League (NB III) ranks as the third tier in Hungary's football pyramid, featuring driven clubs from across the nation. It acts as a breeding ground for emerging talents and seasoned pros eyeing a comeback to higher divisions, emphasizing regional rivalries and gritty survival battles beyond Budapest.
History and foundation
Launched in 1991 replacing old regional classes, NB III underwent reforms, expanding to 16-team groups in 2005 and splitting into four regional divisions in 2013. The 2019/20 season, halted by COVID, saw SZEAC climb to NB II with 83 points. Notably, it nurtured talents like Attila Fiola, who started at Dunaföldvár.
Tournament format
Divided into four groups (Nyugati, Keleti, Bakony, Kisalföld) of 16-18 teams each, clubs play 30 round-robin matches. Top two from select groups vie for NB II promotion, while bottom sides fight relegation; playoffs between 3rd-6th add edge.
Interesting facts
Average goals per game hover at 3.2, spiking in clashes like Tatabánya vs. AquaKőké. Top scorer: Máté Fekete (Szentendre) with 28 in 2022/23. Standouts include Péter Komplo (now Ferencváros) and László Congradi, Diósgyőr icon. Known for physicality and end-to-end action.