The decision was made at the AFVD Federal Assembly in the form of a “clear vote”. The regional associations of the American Football Association in Germany have therefore decided to cooperate with Shuan Fatah as head coach of the men’s national team.
This decision no longer came as a surprise.
The ELF recently unilaterally terminated the agreement concluded with the AFVD at the beginning of the year regarding the transfer of players from the GFL to the ELF. This already in the knowledge that Fatah, who is also the designated head coach of the ELF Franchise Hamburg Sea Devils, will probably lose his job with the German association. Fatah led the AFVD team to the semi-finals in the European Championship preliminary round, where they will face Austria in 2025.
The 56-year-old German was also successful in Austria for many years. Especially as head coach of the Swarco Raiders. With the Tyroleans he won the Austrian Bowl five times, the Central European Football League three times, the ECTC final, the Eurobowl and the Superfinal.
His involvement with the AFBÖ from 2015 as coach of the Austrian national team ended after a surprising defeat in the preliminary round against Italy in 2019. The year before, he lost to France in the European Championship final.
Although there is no substantive connection between this agreement between the ELF and the AFVD, there is certainly a connection on a personal level, the people involved in the ELF are also co-owners of the ELF Franchise Hamburg Sea Devils.
“In the future, the position of national coach should be filled by a person who concentrates fully on this task, without having to look after another team at the same time – regardless of their league affiliation.”said the AFVD in a statement.
“The demands on the national team are high, and a double burden cannot be reconciled with these demands in the long term.”explained Andreas KegelmannVice President of the AFVD. “We would like to thank Shuan Fatah for his successful volunteer work and wish him all the best for the future.”
The new head coach of the AFVD selection is now Christian Rothewho most recently led the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns to the German Bowl.
**How might the ELF’s decision to terminate its agreement with the AFVD impact the development and visibility of American football in Germany, particularly at the grassroots level?**
## World Today News Interview: Shakeup in German American Football
**Interviewer:** Welcome to World Today News, everyone. Today, we’re discussing the recent appointment of a new head coach for the German national American football team, following the departure of Shuan Fatah. Joining us are [Guest 1 Name], a respected sports analyst with deep knowledge of European football, and [Guest 2 Name], a former player currently involved in coaching youth
American football.
Let’s dive right in.
**Section 1: The Fatah Departure**
**Interviewer:** Shuan Fatah led the German national team to the semi-finals of the European Championship qualifying rounds, a commendable achievement. Yet, his tenure ended abruptly amidst the controversy surrounding the ELF’s decision to terminate its agreement with the AFVD.
[Guest 1], what are your thoughts on the ELF’s decision and its impact on Fatah’s position?
**Guest 1:**
**Interviewer:** [Guest 2], from a coaching perspective, do you think juggling the national team role with a club team like the Hamburg Sea Devils is sustainable in the long run?
**Guest 2:**
**Section 2: The New Era with Christian Rothe**
**Interviewer:** The AFVD has appointed Christian Rothe as the new head coach. Rothe boasts an impressive track record, recently guiding the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns to the German Bowl victory.
[Guest 1], what strengths do you think Rothe brings to the national team, and how might his coaching style differ from Fatah’s?
**Guest 1:**
**Interviewer:** [Guest 2], Rothe’s focus will be primarily on developing young talent for the national team. What are your hopes and expectations for the future of German American football under his leadership?
**Guest 2:**
**Section 3: Looking Ahead: The Future of German American Football**
**Interviewer:** The AFVD stated a need for a national coach who can fully dedicate themselves to the role.
[Guest 1], do you see this trend of coaches juggling multiple roles becoming less common in the future, not just in Germany but across Europe?
**Guest 1:**
**Interviewer:** [Guest 2], what needs to be done to ensure a stable and prosperous future for German American
Football, both at the club and national levels?
**Guest 2:**
**Interviewer:** Thank you both for your insightful contributions to this discussion. It will be fascinating to see
how Christian Rothe’s leadership will shape German American football in the years to come.
