Less than two months before kickoff, European football fans are still awaiting clarity on which teams will compete in which league next season. A fractured landscape of competing interests and contractual disputes threatens to derail the 2026 season, leaving supporters in a state of uncertainty.
Fans across Europe are hoping their teams will compete at the highest level in 2026. However, a complex battle is unfolding between the European League of Football (ELF), the European Football Association (EFA), and the American Football League Europe (AFLE). While legal challenges play out behind the scenes, the AFLE is preparing for its inaugural season, and the ELF is attempting to solidify its position despite significant departures.
The recent withdrawal of the Madrid Bravos from the EFA has added to the chaos, with reports suggesting four franchises still hold valid contracts with the ELF. The situation has created deep divisions, as EFA teams, backed by financial resources, believe their contract terminations are legally sound, a claim contested by ELF CEO Zeljko Karajica.
The movement of players is also indicative of the shifting landscape. The transfer of Munich Ravens quarterback Chad Jeffries to the Vienna Knights in the AFLE, while attributed by the player to personal reasons – his family residing in Vienna – signals a broader trend. Players are seeking stability and opportunity amidst the uncertainty.
“There’s No Room for Three Leagues”
Despite the turmoil, some believe consolidation is inevitable. An unnamed insider told oe24, “I believe there will only be one league next year.” While the AFLE has already published its schedule, with the premiere of teams from London and Florence eagerly anticipated, fans of teams like the SWARCO Raiders, Frankfurt Galaxy, Munich Ravens, Nordic Storm, Prague Lions, and Paris Musketeers are still awaiting concrete plans.
The AFLE has already announced its full schedule, branding itself as “The League: Europe” and aiming for a more professional operation. The season is set to kick off with a capital city clash between the Vienna Vikings and Berlin Thunder on May 23rd, culminating in a 14th game day on August 22nd. This contrasts sharply with the uncertainty surrounding the ELF’s schedule, which, as of March 11th, 2026, had yet to be fully revealed.
Karajica remains steadfast in his belief that several teams are still bound by existing contracts to the ELF. According to Karajica, teams such as Tirol, Paris, Nordic Storm, and Madrid – as well as Munich, which is also a shareholder in the ELF – have ongoing contractual obligations. He also stated that Berlin, currently in the AFLE, still has a franchise agreement with the ELF, and the Wroclaw Panthers remain a shareholder. “These teams are bound by contract and cannot simply play somewhere else,” Karajica insisted in an interview with Footbowl on March 10th, 2026. Source
However, the EFA is challenging this assertion. The organization has reportedly issued an ultimatum to Karajica demanding €500,000 to cover travel and accommodation costs for teams during the playoffs, with a deadline of August 18th, 2025. This demand underscores the financial pressures facing all involved parties and the escalating tensions between the leagues. Source
The situation stems from earlier disputes regarding payments to teams. In November 2024, Karajica sent a circular to ELF franchises promising to cover playoff travel costs in advance for the 2025 season, a move intended to smooth over strained relationships. However, the failure to secure planned capital investment in December 2025, which would have facilitated a leadership transition involving Ingo Schiller, has further complicated matters. Source
Karajica maintains that the ELF will proceed with a nine-team season in 2026, having sent a proposed schedule to eligible teams. He stated that these teams are not eligible to play in other leagues, and is awaiting their response. The deadline for responses is this week, with the league aiming to finalize plans in time for a late-May kickoff. Source
The financial challenges facing the ELF are significant. Karajica acknowledged that the inability to secure capital investment was the primary obstacle, not operational management. This financial strain has contributed to the departures of prominent franchises like the Vienna Vikings and Rhein Fire, further destabilizing the league. Source
Despite the upheaval, Karajica remains resolute. “The 2026 season will take place as planned,” he insisted. “Our operations will continue, the sporting planning is in full swing, and we will publish the schedule as announced by the conclude of February.” Source
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of European football. The legal battles, financial pressures, and player movements all contribute to a highly uncertain environment. For fans, the hope remains that a stable and competitive league structure will emerge, allowing them to continue supporting their teams at the highest level.
The next key date to watch is the deadline for teams to respond to the ELF’s proposed schedule. Following that, any court rulings regarding the contractual disputes between the ELF and EFA teams will be pivotal. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates as this story develops.
