The United Football Players Association has informed prospective players that leagues in Europe are now signing more American players. The update comes after the EU easing travel restrictions from the US.
The statement also says that there are around 2 months left in most of the leagues in Germany, Poland, Spain, Italy, France, Finland, and Scandinavia. The European League of Football (ELF) is going into Week 4 of their 12-week schedule and has produced a good on-field product, and many American players are already on rosters.
The German Football League is another major American football league in Europe that is seeking out players, but the UFPA warns against any upfront fees that may be asked.
“DO NOT pay any fees as you can register yourself if you are interested on www.europlayers.com another site to check out is www.Americanfootballinternational.com.”
UFPA
Salaries are reportedly between 600 and 3000 euros, depending on the league, and position. Most of the salaries include food, housing, transportation, and health insurance. Most of these leagues play under a set of rules similar or exactly as the NFL, so there wouldn’t be much of a learning curve for players who have never been on an international team.
Many American players have been unable to participate in regular workouts and pro days since the pandemic hit, but now as things are inching closer to normal, doors are re-opening both domestic and internationally.
For those who may be unfamiliar with the UFPA, they provide players who aren’t members of the NFLPA and the CFLPA with support. The group has also been responsible for calling out leagues that marginalize players, securing players’ claims in the XFL bankruptcy case, working closely with attorneys in the AAF’s case, and putting together a player pool for the USFL and the XFL to contact once it gets time to do kickoff.
The UFPA has said to contact them if any players have any questions about the opportunities.