Partnership expanded: CITIZEN extends as "Game Time Presenter"

The European League of Football (ELF) and Citizen Watch Europe GmbH are continuing their successful partnership this year. The internationally renowned watch manufacturer based in Hamburg will remain the official "Game Time Presenter" of the 'Champions League' of European football in the 2025 season and is expanding its commitment to include the branding of the referees' breast pocket and back.

"We are very proud that such a recognised brand as CITIZEN will continue to support us as a strong partner. The extension of the cooperation shows that the European League of Football is perceived as a very attractive product with a highly relevant target group. We are looking forward to an exciting ELF season with CITIZEN", says Zeljko Karajica, Managing Director of the continental league.

'Better starts now'

The watch manufacturer became a partner of the European League of Football in summer 2024. During the talks, both sides immediately sensed that the company's brand philosophy 'Better starts now' was an excellent fit for the ELF, as League Managing Director Karajica emphasises: "There is always the opportunity to improve - and now is the time to start."

"The ELF has captured the hearts of football fans in Europe in a very short space of time and has already established itself as a permanent fixture in the international sports landscape. We are delighted to continue on this path together and remain on board as a Game Time Presenter. We have had positive experiences with our involvement and were therefore very keen to expand our cooperation. CITIZEN and the ELF complement each other perfectly, because just like in football, the production of our watches is all about the right timing, maximum precision, sophisticated technology and absolute passion", says Karsten Isermann, Director Sales at CITIZEN Watch Europe GmbH.

The fifth season of the European League of Football starts in mid-May with 16 teams from nine nations. Defending champions Rhein Fire, Berlin Thunder, Hamburg Sea Devils, Munich Ravens, Stuttgart Surge, Frankfurt Galaxy, Cologne Centurios (all Germany), Vienna Vikings, Raiders Tirol (both Austria), Fehérvár Enthroners (Hungary), Panthers Wroclaw (Poland), Prague Lions (Czech Republic), Helvetic Mercenaries (Switzerland), Madrid Bravos (Spain), Paris Musketeers (France) and newcomer Nordic Storm (Denmark) will be competing.