European League of Football Taps Veteran Soccer Exec Ingo Schiller as Co-CEO to Steer Next Growth Phase

A Mission of Stability and Sustainability

Schiller, 60, will immediately take a central role in the league’s strategic and economic planning. His first and most critical task will be to lead upcoming talks with the ELF’s 16 franchises, which are spread across nine different countries. The primary objective is to develop a “stable and sustainable model for all stakeholders,” a clear indication that the league is moving from a period of rapid expansion to one of consolidation and long-term planning.

The appointment was unanimously approved by the ELF’s shareholders, who have tasked Schiller with securing the league’s future. He will work alongside co-founder and current CEO Zeljko Karajica, who is set to step down from his management and operational duties at the end of the 2025 season, ensuring a smooth leadership transition.

A Heavyweight Resume for a Growing League

Schiller brings over 30 years of top-level experience in the European sports and finance sectors to the role. His resume is packed with high-profile positions at major German soccer clubs, including serving as managing director at Hertha BSC from 1998 to 2022, where he was responsible for finance, organization, and marketing.

Crucially, Schiller has deep experience in league governance. He served on the supervisory board of the German Football League (DFL) from 2013 to 2022, a role that gives him direct, relevant experience in managing the complex relationships between a league office and its member clubs. “With Ingo Schiller, we’ve gained a partner who has proven over decades how to lead sports organisations strategically, economically, and structurally,” said ELF Commissioner Patrick Esume.

A Unified Vision for the Future

The league’s leadership has presented a unified front in its support for Schiller’s appointment. Heinz Kierchhoff, speaking on behalf of the ELF shareholders, said Schiller is the “right person in the right place” to make the league “future-proof after a rapid build-up.”

Schiller himself expressed excitement about the challenge, acknowledging both the league’s potential and its current stage of development. “I’m looking forward to this task because I see enormous potential in the European League of Football—both in terms of athletic development and commercial success,” Schiller said. “The league has grown rapidly and excites football fans around the world, yet it is still at the beginning of its journey.”

His appointment is a clear signal that the ELF is serious about building a lasting and profitable professional football league in Europe. By bringing in a seasoned executive with a proven track record in both finance and sports governance, the league is making a major investment in its long-term stability and success.