Munich – The newly formed European Football Alliance (EFA) is refusing to be deterred by legal challenges from the European League of Football (ELF) as it pushes forward with plans to establish a modern professional American football league in Europe. The dispute centers around the future of the sport on the continent, with both organizations vying for control and legitimacy.
The conflict arose after several teams departed the ELF this past winter, leading to the creation of the EFA and the American Football League Europe (AFLE), both scheduled to begin play in May. Thomas Krohne, owner of the Munich Ravens, stated that his team no longer has any franchise relationship with the ELF, asserting they have repeatedly terminated existing contracts. “The Munich Ravens will not play in the ELF again. We are absolutely certain that our legal position is sound,” Krohne told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (F.A.Z.).
Karajica Vows to Fight Legal Battles
The ELF, currently undergoing insolvency proceedings, recently released a schedule that included several teams from both the EFA and AFLE. This move has been met with strong opposition from the breakaway leagues.
ELF CEO Zeljko Karajica, who has faced criticism from departing teams and is currently under investigation in Austria regarding suspected economic fraud related to his involvement with Austria Klagenfurt football club, insists that “ongoing contracts” exist with the teams listed in the ELF schedule, including the Ravens. He claims these teams are “obligated” and “cannot simply play elsewhere,” according to a conversation with the industry portal “Foot Bowl.” “We will do everything in our power to enforce this right,” Karajica stated.
The legal matter is now “with the lawyers,” according to Krohne, who declined to provide further details due to the ongoing proceedings. “But one has to wonder if this schedule is meant to be taken seriously, or if there is another intention behind it. As far as I know, Mr. Karajica has not held any discussions with any of the franchises whose contracts are allegedly still in effect regarding stadium availability or other relevant issues.”
Krohne and much of the other EFA teams believe they are legally in the clear. However, a stalemate looms, potentially paralyzing and damaging European American football if the dispute escalates into a court battle. Time is already short before the planned start of the EFA and AFLE seasons.
Broadcast Rights Discussions Underway
Despite the legal challenges, Krohne remains confident in the future of the EFA. The league aims to include the Munich Ravens, Frankfurt Galaxy, Paris Musketeers, Prague Lions, Tirol Raiders and Nordic Storm. He describes the EFA as the “most competitively balanced league,” and remains optimistic about securing a television partner despite ongoing hurdles. “We will have a live production of all games. We will have a streaming platform in both the USA and Europe that broadcasts our games. And we are currently looking to secure free-to-air partners in the five countries where we play.” According to information from the F.A.Z., discussions are underway with ProSiebenSat.1 in Germany, which previously broadcast ELF games.
Krohne, a minority shareholder in the ELF, hopes to put the past behind him. He is looking forward to his team’s games in the EFA, with the Ravens playing their home games at the stadium in Unterhaching, whose new owner, FC Bayern Munich, Krohne describes as a “great partner.” He acknowledges that the €1.5 million he invested in the ELF is unlikely to be recovered.
The situation highlights the complex and evolving landscape of American football in Europe. The reunification agreement between the ELF and EFA, announced in November 2025, aims to create a transparent, team-led governance model to reinforce stability and growth. However, this latest dispute demonstrates the challenges in achieving that goal. The EFA, founded in July 2025, plans to launch its first season in 2026, with teams initially based in Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, and Germany, with planned expansion to Italy and the United Kingdom in 2027.
The coming weeks will be critical as the legal battle unfolds and the EFA and AFLE continue preparations for their inaugural seasons. The future of professional American football in Europe hangs in the balance.
