THE SIDELINES : Europe Football League Folds

The International League of American Football, one of two international leagues scheduled to debut next year, has folded, an official said today.

Tor Westerberg, European general manager of the league, blamed backers from the United States, who he said had withdrawn their financial support.

“This is absolutely shameful and will really damage the reputation of American businessmen and American sports in Europe,” Westerberg said.

The sponsors planned to start play in April with up to 16 teams in Finland, Britain, Spain, West Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. However, the league delayed its first season until next year, saying there would be too much competition this summer from soccer’s World Cup.

A source in London familiar with the league said, “We have heard that (they have folded) from several sources. We are awaiting a release from the league.”

The World League of American Football, backed by the National Football League, is scheduled to begin play next spring.