RAIDERS TIROL RE-SIGN HASLWANTER

The new year has begun with good news for Raiders Tirol fans following the announcement that Lukas Haslwanter has extended his contract and will continue playing at Tivoli Stadium in 2026.

The 25-year-old running back, who has played for the Raiders since 2016, was voted the team’s offensive MVP for the 2025 season thanks to repeated strong performances out of the backfield. Haslwanter showed that he was worthy of his place amongst the elite European League of Football tier with 1,042 rushing yards — at an impressive 5.85 yards per carry — and a total of 15 touchdowns, setting personal bests across the board.

The Austrian international also showcased his versatility as a passing target, with 145 receiving yards — a number he wants to build upon in 2026.

“I am happy to be part of the Raiders Tirol family for another year and am really looking forward to the upcoming season,” Haslwanter said. “I would also like to thank the best fans in Europe for their support and can’t wait to see many familiar faces at the Tivoli again.”

New Raiders head coach Shuan Fatah admitted that it was a major boost for the club to have players of Haslwanter’s calibre returning, despite the obvious uncertainty over what the European professional game will look like in 2026.

“I’m very happy that Lukas is back,” Fatah confirmed. “For me, he embodies everything we demand of a Raider. He’s an absolute team player, who works tirelessly on his game, and is a self-made athlete who, through his meticulous work in the weight room and on the training field over the past few years, has developed into one of the best running backs in Europe — and was rewarded with over 1,000 yards and an outstanding season last year.”

Raiders Tirol are scheduled to play in whatever emerges from the ashes of the ELF in 2026, having been welcomed back into the European Football Alliance shortly before Christmas.