The battle for American football supremacy in Europe continues to unfold, marked by scheduling discrepancies and lingering questions about league alignment heading into the 2026 season. Even as the European League of Football (ELF) appears to be moving forward with its plans, the European Football Alliance (EFA) is facing criticism for a delayed schedule release, and the future of the Berlin Thunder remains unclear.
The current situation stems from a fracturing within the ELF in 2024, leading several clubs to form the Football Franchise Association (FFA), which later evolved into the EFA. These teams voiced concerns over the ELF’s governance and transparency, ultimately deciding to pursue a new league model for 2026. The American Football League Europe (AFLE) too emerged in December 2025, further complicating the landscape. As of March 6, 2026, the situation remains fluid, with teams seemingly caught between competing visions for the future of the sport in Europe.
ELF Pushes Ahead with Schedule, Including Berlin Thunder
Despite the ongoing tensions, the ELF has taken a firm stance, releasing its schedule on Thursday, February 27, 2026, according to reports. This move comes after the league reportedly sent a schedule to five EFA teams and, surprisingly, the Berlin Thunder of the AFLE on Tuesday, February 25, 2026. This inclusion of the Berlin Thunder, which hadn’t been previously linked to the ELF, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Zeljko Karajica, co-founder and managing director of the ELF, has publicly stated the league’s expectation that these teams will participate in the 2026 season. “From our point of view, the contracts absolutely exist given that there were no grounds for termination, therefore we expect these teams to play in our league,” Karajica told the Süddeutsche Zeitung. This suggests the ELF believes existing contractual obligations supersede the teams’ desire to join the EFA or AFLE.
A Hard Line on Contracts, Even at the Risk of No Games
Karajica’s comments indicate a willingness to stand firm, even if it means potentially facing a season with fewer participating teams. “That can happen. We will not move from our position by a millimeter,” he stated. The ELF’s position is rooted in its existing commitments, particularly long-term television contracts, which the EFA and AFLE currently lack. This reliance on broadcast revenue appears to be a key factor in the ELF’s strategy.
The situation highlights a fundamental disagreement over the future of professional American football in Europe. The ELF seems determined to maintain a centralized, contractually-driven structure, while the EFA and AFLE appear to be advocating for more team autonomy and a different revenue model. For fans, this translates to uncertainty about which teams will be playing where, and under what rules, in the upcoming season.
EFA Schedule Delayed, Prompting Fan Frustration
Adding fuel to the fire, the EFA has yet to release its promised schedule, initially slated for the same day as the ELF’s announcement. As of Friday, March 6, 2026, the EFA schedule remains unavailable, leading to widespread criticism and mockery from fans on social media, particularly on Instagram, where users have responded with memes referencing Pinocchio. This delay contrasts sharply with the ELF’s proactive approach and raises questions about the EFA’s organizational readiness.
The EFA, founded in July 2025, currently comprises seven teams located in Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, and plans to add teams in Italy and the United Kingdom in 2027. The league aims to provide a platform for teams that previously competed in the ELF, offering a different governance structure and a greater degree of control to the franchises.
AFLE’s Position and the Broader Implications
The inclusion of the Berlin Thunder in the ELF’s schedule is a significant development, given the team’s affiliation with the AFLE. The AFLE, established in December 2025, is backed by a U.S.-based family office and operates with league offices in both Germany and Austria. It currently has eight teams across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Poland, Italy, and the United Kingdom, with Monaco slated to join in 2027.
The AFLE emerged from disagreements within the EFA regarding league structure, with some teams favoring a team-led approach and others seeking external investment. The league’s formation represents a clear divergence in vision, and the ELF’s attempt to draw the Berlin Thunder into its fold underscores the competitive nature of the landscape.
The ongoing dispute is not merely about scheduling; it’s about the fundamental principles governing professional American football in Europe. The lack of a unified front threatens to fragment the market, potentially hindering the long-term growth and sustainability of the sport. The image of the sport suffers as well, with the public witnessing a very public and messy dispute.
As of today, March 6, 2026, the future remains uncertain. The next key development will be the EFA’s response to the ELF’s schedule release and the Berlin Thunder’s decision regarding its league affiliation. Fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how this complex situation unfolds.
Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on this developing story and continued coverage of American football in Europe.
