Team change in the European League of Football!

The owners of the Helvetic Guards have informed league officials that an application to cease operations must be submitted. However, the site will remain open: ELF already signed the franchise agreement with a new ownership group on Thursday. The name and colors under which the Swiss team will compete in the "Champions League" of European football will be announced shortly.

"Of course, it's a pity that the Helvetic Guards' journey in the ELF is coming to an end. On the other hand, we are happy to be able to offer football fans in Switzerland a franchise in the upcoming 2024 season. The new owners are highly motivated and there is no doubt that they will field a strong team," says ELF Managing Director Zeljko Karajica.

Looking forward to a competitive team

"As a league, we ensure that all franchises have a level playing field when building their organization by setting a salary cap for the roster and limiting the number of import players. How they do that and what personnel decisions they make is the responsibility of the owners. I am convinced that supporters in Switzerland can look forward to a competitive team," adds ELF commissioner Patrick Esume.

The ownership group of the new Swiss franchise in the European League of Football is working diligently behind the scenes on the processes and has already filled two key positions: Chris Rummel, Head of Finance and Player Development at the Swiss American Football Association (SAFV), has been appointed Managing Director, while Matt Hammer is responsible for the sporting side as Director of Sports. Both were previously involved with the Helvetic Guards.

New colors and logo to be presented

"Football is an important part of my life, and I am very happy to be able to play my part in ensuring that Switzerland will have a team in the biggest and most important European league. We will announce the name and logo of the franchise as well as the coaching staff and roster in the coming weeks," says Chris Rummel.

The ELF will start its fourth season on May 25. With Berlin Thunder, Hamburg Sea Devils, the reigning champion Rhein Fire, Frankfurt Galaxy, Cologne Centurions, Stuttgart Surge, Munich Ravens (Germany), Paris Musketeers (France), Milano Seamen (Italy), Raiders Tirol, Vienna Vikings (Austria), Panthers Wrocław (Poland), Madrid Bravos, Barcelona Dragons (both Spain), Prague Lions (Czech Republic), Fehérvár Enthroners (Hungary) and the Swiss franchise, 17 teams from nine nations will enter the race. Their goal: the 2024 Championship Game on September 22 at FC Schalke 04's VELTINS-Arena in Gelsenkirchen.