Overview

• The European Football Alliance announced that eleven teams will not participate in the European League of Football in 2026, naming Stuttgart Surge, Vienna Vikings, Rhein Fire, Paris Musketeers, Madrid Bravos, Tirol Raiders, Frankfurt Galaxy, Wroclaw Panthers, Prague Lions, Nordic Storm and Berlin Thunder.
• The ELF countered that it has eleven franchises under valid contracts for 2026 and said it is in intensive talks with potential new entrants.
• Leadership turmoil has escalated the rift as CEO Zeljko Karajica plans to depart after the 2025 season, Ingo Schiller has been installed as successor, and co‑founder and commissioner Patrick Esume is also exiting.
• Financial and legal strains have been reported, including claims of 26 enforcement proceedings at a Hamburg court and a public letter from Hamburg Sea Devils players alleging late or unpaid wages.
• The fragmentation is already reshaping options as Hungary's Fehervar Enthroners say they will join the Austrian Football League in 2026, two days after Stuttgart won the ELF title 24:17 over Vienna with Louis Geyer named MVP.