EUROPEAN FOOTBALL ALLIANCE ENDS ELF AGREEMENT

Craig Llewellyn World Football

American football in Europe has taken another turn with news that the European Football Alliance has decided to end its much-heralded reunion with the European League of Football in order to pursue its own path.

The reunification, which was announced in late November, came following a split in the ELF ranks following the 2025 season, surprising many who thought that the EFA teams would form a breakaway league for 2026. A second split, this time within then EFA ranks, saw five teams return as part of a ‘strategic cooperation agreement’ designed to create a ‘transparent, team-led governance model designed to reinforce stability, consistency, and long-term growth throughout the sport’.

That dream, however, is no more following the announcement that the EFA is terminating the cooperation agreement with immediate effect.

“Following our November 26th announcement, the EFA engaged in an evaluation of the proposed unified structure to ensure it met our mandatory standards for financial stability and transparency,” an official statement issued by the EFA explained. “Based on this assessment, the EFA Board of Governors has determined that the conditions required for a sustainable partnership could not be met and has severed formal ties effective immediately.”

Despite internet rumours of either a wholesale merger with the American Football League Europe, which sprang up from the division within the EFA, or the defection of certain teams to the rival operation, the EFA insists that it will now press on with its own competition for 2026.

“The EFA will continue its development as an independent league, structured in line with the proven National Football League (NFL) model,” the statement continued. “Under this model, the league is governed collectively by its member franchises, prioritising financial sustainability and transparent ownership standards. We believe this team-led approach is the only path to long-term success in professional sports, and it is the primary reason the continent’s most historic and successful brands have chosen the EFA as their home.

“The EFA and our member franchises remain fully focused on preparation for the upcoming season. Our operations are secure, our 2026 season planning is on track, and our commitment to delivering the premier professional American football experience in Europe is stronger than ever.”

While the likes of AFLE-bound Vienna Vikings and Rhein Fire may dispute the ‘most historic and successful brands’ claim, the EFA statement lists Frankfurt Galaxy, Madrid Bravos, Nordic Storm, Paris Musketeers, Prague Lions and Raiders Tirol as member teams, as well as the proposed franchises destined for London and Milan. With the AFLE boasting six clubs, several teams remain unaffiliated, with rumour suggesting that, following the split with the ELF — and therefore its controversial CEO Zeljko Karajica — the likes of Munich Ravens could side with the EFA.