European League of Football announces leadership overhaul amid shifting landscape
The European League of Football (ELF) has unveiled a major leadership restructuring to stabilize operations and address challenges posed by the emerging European Football Alliance (EFA), a rival league set to launch in 2026 with plans that include the majority of the current ELF teams and new franchises.
Leadership restructuring for stability
ELF founder and CEO Zeljko Karajica will transition to a co-CEO role alongside an incoming executive, with a CFO also joining the leadership team. The changes, approved unanimously by shareholders, aim to strengthen governance amid growing competition. Karajica emphasized the move as “strategically planned” to ensure stability through the 2025 season, crediting his tenure for transforming American football in Europe through global partnerships and fan engagement.
Addressing the European Football Alliance
The announcement indirectly responds to the EFA’s ambition to form a new league by 2026. While ELF did not explicitly reference the rival organization, its statement highlighted plans to collaborate with the EFA on “governance, league regulations, and franchise expansion.” This suggests efforts to retain member teams amid speculation that the EFA could poach ELF franchises.
League leadership reaffirms vision
ELF Commissioner Patrick Esume praised the league’s “phenomenal growth,” citing its role in elevating American football across Europe. Partner Heinz Kierchhoff echoed this, calling the ELF a “disruptive force” in European sports. Both emphasized commitments to fairness, transparency, and expanding the league’s footprint, with new team announcements expected soon.
Path forward amid uncertainty
The leadership overhaul signals ELF’s bid to retain dominance as the EFA looms. By integrating governance reforms and franchise expansion talks, the league aims to preempt defections while capitalizing on its five-year foundation. However, the EFA’s promise of a “new ecosystem” with broader team inclusion could test loyalties, particularly among franchises seeking structural changes.
ELF’s immediate focus remains concluding the 2025 season smoothly, with Karajica’s phased exit ensuring continuity. The coming months will determine whether the restructured leadership can navigate dual priorities: stabilizing its current model while countering the EFA’s disruptive ambitions.
