Belgian Third Division

The Belgian Third Division (Dutch: Derde klasse, French: Division III) is the third highest level in Belgian football. It has two leagues of 18 teams each (A and B) at the same level. This competition, known as the Belgian Promotion was first played in the 1926-27 season with three leagues, then with four leagues between 1931 and 1952. From 1952 on, only two leagues remain and the competition is named the third division. Originally set to 16 clubs, the number of clubs in each division was increased in 2009 to 18 clubs. At the end of the regular season, both league winners promote to the second division and a play-off is played to determine a possible third club to promote. The champion of the third division is determined after a two-legged match between the winners of the two leagues. If those matches end in a draw, a third match is played on a neutral ground. However in recent years this final game has not been organized anymore due to lack of interest.