American Football Helvetic Mercenaries face an uncertain future

SDA

16.1.2026 - 10:02

The European League of Football (ELF) is on the brink of collapse
The European League of Football (ELF) is on the brink of collapse
Keystone

There is no end to the chaos in European American football. After another U-turn, the Swiss team Helvetic Mercenaries is facing an uncertain future.

Keystone-SDA

After a few weeks of cooperation, the European Football Alliance (EFA) is returning to independence and ending talks with the rival European League of Football (ELF).

The EFA justifies the move with a lack of financial stability and transparency and is now focusing on an NFL-inspired model in which the league is run jointly by the member franchises.

The EFA currently comprises eight franchises from seven countries, which are to jointly support the league's path. The Helvetic Mercenaries, previously part of the joint project, are not included. In a statement, the Swiss representative emphasizes its loyalty to American football and compliance with all contractual obligations.

At the same time, the Mercenaries are demanding binding clarity for their planning so as not to jeopardize existing contracts with players, partners and service providers. The organization emphasizes that this is not the end of the Mercenaries and that alternative scenarios are already being examined. Information on the next steps will be provided as soon as possible.