EFA APPOINTS REUTEMANN AS CEO FOR INAUGURAL SEASON

The European Football Alliance has installed one of its central architects to steer the league through its launch year, confirming Eric Reutemann as chief executive officer for the inaugural season.

Reutemann, a founding figure in the league’s development, steps into the role on a temporary basis while the EFA continues a parallel search for a long-term CEO to lead the organisation beyond year one. That process is already underway, with specialist recruiters tasked with identifying a candidate to take the league into its next phase.

“The EFA represents a new model for American football in Europe,” Reutemann commented. “By placing the teams at the centre of the league and building the league office around their needs, we are creating a sustainable and collaborative foundation inspired by the NFL, that I strongly believe in.”

Reutemann’s appointment formalises a leadership position he has effectively occupied since the league’s formative stages, having been closely involved in shaping the EFA’s structure, which is built around franchise-led collaboration and aligned incentives across competition and commercial strategy.

“As a former player, sustainable development of the sport is especially important to me,” he added. “The EFA is being built in the interest of fans, partners and players alike, and I am proud of what has already been achieved together with everyone involved, not least the franchise owners and GMs.”

Reutemann’s background spans playing, executive leadership and league-building. His introduction to the sport came during a high school year in the United States, before returning to Germany to play defensive back with the Leipzig Lions. He later combined a consulting career with his playing time at Frankfurt Universe, contributing to the club’s rise into the German Football League.

An international stint followed at the University of Sydney, where he was part of a championship-winning side, before moving fully into the administrative side of the game. In 2021, he was among the key figures behind the re-establishment of Frankfurt Galaxy as part of the launch of the European League of Football, a project that delivered a title in its first season.

Reutemann has since served as managing director of the Galaxy from 2023, overseeing both operational and strategic development, and will continue in his role as CEO of the franchise alongside his EFA responsibilities.

“My position with the EFA, and the work I have done so far, has only been possible because of the incredible team in place at Galaxy,” Reutemann concluded. “I would like to also thank the owners of each franchise for their trust and support, not only for myself, but for the league as a whole.”