The Firenze Red Lions wish to express our profound disappointment with the way AFLE has handled the decisions regarding our organization's future in the league.
We were recently informed, through a phone call, that the Firenze Red Lions would no longer be part of the competition next season. No explanation or justification was provided for this decision.
We subsequently learned, through external sources, that AFLE had been holding discussions with another football organization based in our city regarding their potential participation in the league in our place. These discussions took place without our knowledge or any prior communication from the league.
What makes this situation particularly disappointing is the commitment and investment behind the Firenze Red Lions project. Unlike established clubs joining a new competition, our organization was created from the ground up specifically to participate in this professional league. Building this franchise required significant financial investment, time, resources, and the dedication of many people who believed in AFLE's vision.
We fully acknowledge that our inaugural season was far from perfect. We made mistakes, we have taken responsibility for them, and we were already working to address those shortcomings ahead of the next season. However, we firmly believe that such challenges should be addressed through honest communication, constructive dialogue, and mutual respect.
AFLE has publicly expressed its ambition to build a professional, ambitious, and transparent competition. We shared that vision and invested in making it a reality. It is precisely because of that commitment that we find the handling of this situation so disappointing.
We respect the league's responsibility to make decisions about its future. However, we believe that transparency, fairness, and respect must be fundamental principles in the relationship between a league and the organizations that invest in its success.
Our disappointment is not directed at any other team or organization. It concerns the process, the lack of communication, and the treatment of a franchise that was built specifically to support this professional football project.
Despite these circumstances, our commitment to our players, staff, fans, sponsors, and the development of American football in Italy remains unchanged.
The Firenze Red Lions were built on passion, commitment, and the belief in a stronger future for American football. Those values remain unchanged, regardless of the decisions made by others.
Firenze Red Lions
