THE NEW “W” IMPORT CLASSIFICATION
With an increasing number of players actively exploring opportunities within the EFA, league ownership recognise the need for a formalised, sustainable process to manage that movement, rather than handling it on an ad hoc basis. The result is the new European Waiver Wire: a structured, transparent pathway for EFA teams to sign eligible players, while preserving competitive parity across the league. Players who move through this process are classified as “W” Imports, E-eligible players who have previously been licensed by another professional European. American football league team.
The waiver wire runs on a reverse-seeded priority order based on current league standings, so teams with the greatest competitive need get first opportunity to acquire available talent. Every move through the process comes with the security of an agreed opportunity already in place, in line with the EFA’s broader commitment to secure contracts, on-time payments, professional athlete status, comprehensive healthcare, and player welfare.
WHAT THE TAGS MEAN, IN PLAIN TERMS
Every team’s roster is built from 10 original import spots, unchanged this season:
“A” Import is American, Canadian, Mexican, or Japanese players. 4 spots per team.
“E” Import is any import outside those markets, or any player not homegrown in the signing team’s market. 6 spots per team.
Two new tags sit on top of that original structure:
“I” Import is a player developed in Canada, Mexico, Japan, or American Samoa. One extra spot, exclusive to Prague Lions and Raiders Tirol.
“W” Import is an E-eligible player already licensed by a European American football team, signed through the Waiver Wire. Not available for American, Canadian, Mexican, or Japanese players.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR EACH TEAM’S ROSTER
Prague Lions & Raiders Tirol have 4 A, 6 E, 1 I, 2 W (13 import spots)
Frankfurt Galaxy & Paris Musketeers have 4 A, 6 E, 2 W (12 import spots)
Munich Ravens & Nordic Storm have 4 A, 6 E, 1 W (11 import spots)
No team needs to release a player to use these new spots, they are all additional to the original 10.
The EFA remains committed to listening, learning, and evolving as we continue to build the best possible league for our teams, players, and fans.
For players that are interested in the European Waiver Wire please contact
players@efafootball.com