18 instead of 16: Schalke played a major role in the Bundesliga becoming an 18-team league. At first there were only 16 clubs. In 1965 both Schalke and Karlsruher SC were relegated on sporting merit, but then Hertha BSC’s financial tricks came to light and the Berlin club were forcibly demoted.
After two months of debate, the DFB decided not only to include Tasmania Berlin to preserve top-flight football in the capital, but also to suspend relegation. From then on, except after reunification in 1991/92, the Bundesliga played with 18 teams.