Sudden retreat in the conflict between ELF and EFA
The European League of Football (ELF) is currently embroiled in a significant dispute with its league management, as the European Football Alliance (EFA) has issued an ultimatum demanding reforms before the ELF Championship Game scheduled for September 7, 2025.
The EFA, representing a group of franchises within the ELF, has criticised the league for a lack of transparency, unfair revenue distribution, poor communication, and financial instability among franchises. These issues, according to the EFA, have negatively impacted competition, player safety, and investor confidence.
The EFA's demands include full transparency on contracts and revenues, fair participation in league revenues, clear conflict of interest rules, financial support for weaker franchises, and a league structure based on equitable partnerships. The EFA members have expressed serious doubts about the current ELF leadership's willingness to engage constructively and have reserved the right to explore alternative options, including potentially forming an independent league if reforms are not implemented by the deadline.
In response, the ELF management has yet to make public any detailed concessions or plans addressing these demands before the specified deadline. EFA spokesperson Martin Wagner has explicitly noted that if sufficient changes are not realised, the EFA may enter an "alternative mode," indicating a possible split from the ELF while continuing to play football under a different organisational umbrella.
Meanwhile, personnel changes are underway within the ELF. Zeljko Karajica, the league founder, has announced his withdrawal from league management by the end of the season, while Max Paatz will focus on sports matters at Rhein Fire. Daniel Thywissen (45) has been appointed as the new CEO of Rhein Fire, and a new co-CEO will be officially presented in the coming days. This new co-CEO will focus on governance, league rules, and franchise expansion, and will have the task of working closely with the European Football Alliance (EFA).
The ELF shareholders have unanimously decided on the new co-CEO and CFO. The upcoming season is expected to see announcements about new teams, as potential new teams have shown strong interest.
This situation reflects a deep dispute within European American football’s organisational structure, with ongoing tension between franchise owners seeking more transparency and fairness and the ELF leadership, whose current approach the EFA regards as unsatisfactory. The future of the ELF remains uncertain as both parties work towards a resolution.
[1] European Football Alliance Issues Ultimatum to ELF (2025, August 1) [2] ELF Faces Potential Split as EFA Contemplates Alternative Options (2025, August 5)
- The European Football Alliance (EFA), amidst their ongoing dispute with the ELF, has requested changes in the league, such as equal partnerships, transparent contracts, and fair revenue distribution, as they believe these alterations are crucial for the betterment of competition, player safety, and investor confidence in the European League of Football (ELF).
- If the ELF fails to meet the EFA's demands by the deadline, the European Football Alliance (EFA) may opt to establish an independent league, as an "alternative mode" has been suggested by EFA spokesperson Martin Wagner, signaling a possible split from the ELF while continuing to play sports like football under a different organizational umbrella.
