The European League of Football (ELF) is making waves as a semi-professional league that’s bringing a new level of excitement to Euro American Football. Established in November 2020, the ELF launched its inaugural season on June 19, 2021, quickly capturing the attention of fans across Europe. Currently, the league boasts 16 teams hailing from nine different nations, showcasing the growing international appeal of American football. In its first four seasons, the ELF has already seen impressive champions crowned: Frankfurt Galaxy (2021), Vienna Vikings (2022), and Rhein Fire (2023, 2024), solidifying its place in the landscape of Euro American football.
History of the European League of Football
The inception of the European League of Football was not without its skeptics. Past attempts to establish similar leagues in Europe had faltered, leading some within the German American football community to question its viability. Robert Huber, Chairman of the German Football League (GFL), voiced concerns based on decades of experience managing leagues in Germany and Europe. However, ELF Commissioner Patrick Esume expressed strong confidence in the league’s potential for success, citing the burgeoning popularity of American football in Germany as a key factor. This optimism proved well-founded as the ELF rapidly gained momentum.
Early signs of the league’s development emerged in December 2020 with the unveiling of the first two franchises: the Ingolstadt Praetorians and the Hanover-based German Knights 1367. Shortly after, Gladiators Football, a Spanish team based in Costa Daurada and coached by veteran CFL coach Adam Rita, joined the ranks. Adding a touch of nostalgia for long-time Euro American football fans, Gladiators Football adopted the name Barcelona Dragons, reminiscent of the former NFL Europe team, just before the start of the inaugural season.
A significant milestone for the ELF came in March 2021 when they announced a partnership with the NFL, granting them the rights to use team names from the NFL Europe era. This agreement paved the way for the Hamburg and Frankfurt franchises to revive the beloved names Hamburg Sea Devils and Frankfurt Galaxy. The Sea Devils also announced Ted Daisher, a former special teams coach with extensive NFL experience, as their head coach, further boosting the league’s credibility. Although Ingolstadt and Hannover faced delays in their 2021 launch, the league swiftly adapted, introducing new teams in Leipzig (Leipzig Kings) and Cologne (Cologne Centurions). Furthermore, Cologne, Berlin (Berlin Thunder), and Barcelona (Barcelona Dragons) franchises adopted their historical NFL Europe team names, strengthening the connection to the legacy of Euro American football.
Expanding its reach beyond Europe, the ELF announced a partnership with the Brazilian Football Federation, Brasil Futebol Americano, in June 2021. This collaboration fostered exchange programs for players, coaches, and officials, and even opened the door for a future championship game between the ELF and BFA champions, highlighting the growing global network of Euro American football.
In July 2021, the ELF further amplified its inaugural season with the announcement of an All-Star Game. Held on German Unity Day, October 3rd, in Berlin, the game featured a selection of the ELF’s top talent facing off against the United States Men’s National American Football Team. Mirroring team roster rules, the All-Star team roster was limited to a maximum of four American players, with only two permitted on the field simultaneously, emphasizing the league’s commitment to developing European talent within Euro American football.
As the inaugural season progressed, hints of expansion for the second season began to surface in September 2021. Plans for 12 to 16 teams in 2022 were announced, signaling rapid growth for the league. On September 12th, the Vienna Vikings publicly declared their intention to join the ELF, followed by their Austrian rivals, the Raiders Tirol. The same day marked the unveiling of Rhein Fire, another team resurrecting a cherished NFL Europe name. The Istanbul Rams, announced in October 2021, completed the lineup of twelve teams for the 2022 season, showcasing the expanding geography of Euro American football.
The momentum continued into 2022 and 2023 with further expansion. In April 2022, the Milano Seamen expressed interest in joining. By May 13th, new franchises from Milan, Zurich (Helvetic Guards), and Székesfehérvár (Fehérvár Enthroners) were confirmed for the 2023 season. Munich (Munich Ravens), Paris (Paris Musketeers), and Prague (Prague Lions) soon followed, adding to the league’s international footprint. However, the Istanbul Rams withdrew from the 2023 season in December 2022. Despite this, the 2023 season commenced with an impressive 17 teams from nine countries, demonstrating the robust growth of Euro American football across the continent.
Financial challenges led to the Leipzig Kings’ withdrawal from the 2023 season in July. However, the ELF continued to look forward, announcing Madrid as a new location for the 2024 season. The Madrid Bravos, with their logo and colors, were unveiled in September 2023. In October 2023, the league confirmed a 17-team roster for the 2024 season, maintaining its expansive scale in the Euro American football world.
Following the 2024 season, founding member Barcelona Dragons departed the league. The Milano Seamen also announced a temporary hiatus for the 2025 season, with plans to return in 2026. On a positive note, a team from Denmark, the Nordic Storm, joined the ELF, ensuring continued Nordic representation in Euro American football.
These changes resulted in a slight contraction to 16 teams for the 2025 season, down from 17 in 2024, reflecting the dynamic nature of league expansion and contraction in the developing landscape of Euro American football.
Goals of the European League of Football
The ELF explicitly aims to recapture the enthusiasm for American football that resonated throughout Europe during the NFL Europe era. However, unlike NFL Europe, which predominantly featured American players, the ELF imposes restrictions on the number of international players per team. A core objective is to prioritize the development of homegrown European talent, nurturing them into potential NFL prospects. To achieve this, the ELF plans to establish an “ELF Academy.” While ELF franchises will not operate traditional youth teams, CEO Zeljko Karajica envisions the academy as a crucial stepping stone, providing aspiring players with the necessary skills to excel in the ELF and compete for opportunities in the NFL, fostering a sustainable ecosystem for Euro American football.
Rules and Regulations in the ELF
The ELF operates under a modified version of NFL rules, with a notable exception in overtime procedures, which follow college football rules. Uniquely among most European sports leagues, including other Euro American football leagues, regular season games in the ELF proceed to overtime if tied at the end of regulation. Interestingly, no overtime periods were actually played in the inaugural 2021 season as all games reached a definitive conclusion within regulation time. Initially, the ELF did not incorporate instant replay or coach’s challenges during the regular season. However, replay review was introduced for the 2021 ELF Bowl and expanded for subsequent seasons, enhancing the professional standards of Euro American football in the league.
In November 2021, the ELF announced a significant alteration to the kickoff rule, primarily motivated by player safety concerns. This rule modification, detailed below, showcases the league’s commitment to player well-being within Euro American football.
Kickoff Rules Explained
The ELF kickoff rule is designed to enhance player safety while maintaining the excitement of the play. Key elements of the rule include:
- The ball is placed on the 30-yard line for kickoffs.
- Blockers from the return team line up on their own 30-yard line.
- The coverage team is positioned on the 35-yard line.
- Three players on each side must be positioned outside the hashmarks.
- Only the kicker and the kickoff returner are permitted to move before the kick.
- Blockers and coverage players must remain stationary until the returner catches the ball or the ball has been on the ground for at least three seconds.
- If the ball goes out of bounds, the receiving team gains possession at the kicking team’s 45-yard line.
- A “major touchback” occurs if the ball lands directly in the end zone, resulting in the ball being placed at the return team’s 35-yard line.
- A “normal” touchback, where the ball lands in the field of play and then rolls into the end zone, results in the ball being placed at the 15-yard line.
- Onside kick rules remain consistent with NFL standards.
These kickoff rule modifications in the ELF demonstrate a proactive approach to player safety within the context of Euro American football.
Overtime Format
The ELF utilizes college football overtime rules, providing a distinct format compared to the NFL for resolving tied games in Euro American football. (See: overtime) for detailed information on overtime rules.
League Format and Structure
2025 Season Format
Significant changes to the ELF divisions for the 2025 season, moving to four divisions instead of three, have prompted adjustments to the playoff structure. While much of the format remains consistent, a key modification is the increased number of playoff teams.
- The four division winners automatically qualify for the playoffs, up from three in previous seasons.
- The top two division winners continue to receive a bye week in the first round of the playoffs.
- Two wild card teams, selected as the best teams that did not win their divisions, will also qualify for the playoffs.
- Wild card teams will compete in the Wild Card Round against the two lower-seeded division winners, playing on the road.
These format adjustments for 2025 reflect the evolving structure of Euro American football competition within the ELF.
2023-2024 Season Format
The 2023 ELF season marked the league’s third year, featuring 17 teams from nine countries vying for the championship title. The Championship Game was held in Duisburg, Germany.
- Teams were organized into three conferences, each containing 5 or 6 teams.
- Each team played a 12-game regular season.
- The playoffs expanded to six teams in 2023.
- The three conference champions and the three best remaining teams qualified for the playoffs.
- Conference champions were seeded #1 to #3, and the remaining teams were seeded #4 to #6.
- Seeds #1 and #2 received first-round byes.
- Playoff matchups in the first round were #3 vs #6 and #4 vs #5.
- The higher remaining seed secured home-field advantage.
Tie-breaking procedures within and between conferences were determined by a set of criteria:
- Number of wins
- Head-to-head matchup*
- Points difference in head-to-head matchups*
- Points scored at away games of head-to-head matchups*
- Total points difference
- Total points scored
- Points scored at away games
- Coin toss by the Commissioner
*Applicable only if matchups have occurred and with additional rules.
These format details provide insight into the competitive structure of Euro American football within the ELF during the 2023-2024 seasons.
Notes on League Format
*Further details and specific rules apply to tie-breaking procedures, especially concerning head-to-head matchups.
Team Rosters in the ELF
ELF team rosters are structured to balance international talent with the development of homegrown European players, reflecting the league’s commitment to fostering Euro American football.
- Each team squad comprises 65 players (increased from 60 in 2022).
- A practice squad of up to twelve players (increased from ten in 2022) is allowed, providing flexibility for injury replacements.
- Game-day rosters are capped at 48 players, plus 2 additional spots for players under 21 years of age, encouraging youth development.
- The player transfer period concludes after week nine of the season.
- The number of “A-players” – defined as players from countries with established college football programs (USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan) – is limited to four per team, with a further restriction of only two A-players allowed on the field at any given time. This rule is central to the ELF’s focus on Euro American football development.
- The number of other international players is limited to six (reduced from eight in 2022 and ten in 2021), further emphasizing the focus on homegrown talent.
- The remaining roster spots are filled by “homegrown players.”
- A “homegrown player” is defined as a player who began playing American football in the country where they are currently playing, directly supporting the growth of Euro American football within Europe.
These roster regulations are crucial to the ELF’s mission of nurturing European talent within the sport of Euro American football.
Player Salaries in the ELF
The ELF operates with a salary cap to ensure financial sustainability and competitive balance within Euro American football. The salary structure is divided into three “pots”:
- Pot 1: Designated for eight full professionals, including the four “A-players.”
- Pot 2: A secondary salary group for up to four additional players, providing a part-time salary and accommodation.
- Pot 3: Covers the remaining team members, offering a monthly stipend between 100 and 520 euros, aligning with tax-free allowances in different European countries.
The total salary cap is approximately 150,000 euros per season, with all player salaries paid in euros as net amounts. Critically, all ELF players also receive health insurance coverage, underscoring the league’s commitment to player welfare in Euro American football.
Player Trades and Transfers
To maintain competitive integrity, the ELF has specific rules governing player trades and transfers:
- Players traded between teams during the season face an automatic 3-game suspension, discouraging frequent in-season trades. This suspension is waived if the player is released rather than traded.
- Player signings are generally permitted until after week 9. After week 9, quarterback signings are restricted to situations where a team’s starting quarterback is injured.
- Contract terminations are allowed throughout the year, providing teams with roster flexibility.
Transfer Agreement with the AFVD (Germany) – Now Ended
Historically, a transfer agreement existed between the ELF and the AFVD (German Football Association) to regulate player movement between the GFL (German Football League) and the ELF.
- This agreement, announced in January 2024, allowed regulated transfers from the AFVD to the ELF after the GFL season until March 1 of the following year.
- Transfers between March 1 and July 31 resulted in a three-game suspension in the ELF.
- Transfers between August 1 and the GFL Bowl were prohibited.
However, this agreement was terminated by the ELF in November 2024. As of the 2025 season, players transferring from the GFL to the ELF are no longer subject to a ban, simplifying player movement within Euro American football in Germany.
Player Safety Initiatives in the ELF
Player safety is a paramount concern for the European League of Football, reflecting a broader emphasis on player well-being in Euro American football. The league’s medical commission is headed by Hans Olaf Baack, a surgeon specializing in trauma surgery, orthopedics, and emergency medicine. Dr. Baack oversees coordination between coaches, players, and team medical staff, ensuring a comprehensive approach to player health.
Key player safety measures include:
- Annual comprehensive medical examinations for player licensing.
- Implementation of a concussion protocol aligned with current best practices.
- Helmet evaluations and potential exclusion of specific models to ensure player protection.
- Clear guidelines and protocols for managing player injuries and illnesses, incorporated into franchise licensing agreements.
- Introduction of Head Injury Spotters – two dedicated individuals per game on the sideline – focused solely on identifying potential head injuries.
- Pre-game “Med Meetings” for medical teams to collaborate on safety plans and adjustments.
- An annual English-language Sports Medicine Congress, organized by the head of the Medical Committee during the ELF Championship Game, covering current topics in sports medicine and trauma surgery for team physicians, promoting continuous learning and best practices in Euro American football player care.
These extensive player safety initiatives demonstrate the ELF’s commitment to prioritizing player health and well-being within the realm of Euro American football.
Teams Participating in the European League of Football
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| Teams | West Division | South Division | East Division | North Division | Seasons | Former teams |
