Venture capitalist sues AAF, claiming he came up with Alliance of American Football

There seems to be more trouble brewing for the Alliance of American Football.

The AAF and founder Charlie Ebersol are facing a lawsuit from Robert Vanech, who claims he came up with the idea for the league, according to a report by Action Network's Darren Rovell.

Vanech, a venture capitalist based out of Los Angeles, claims to have had a "handshake agreement" entitling him to 50 percent ownership of the league, according to the report.

The AAF issued a statement in response to Vanech's claims:

"Mr. Vanech’s claim is without merit," the statement said. "There was never any agreement, oral or written, between Mr. Vanech and Mr. Ebersol relating to The Alliance. We remain focused solely on our historic, inaugural season when each weekend over 400 players get an opportunity to showcase their talents and fulfill their dreams of playing professional football."

AAF founder Charlie Ebersol waits for the game to start at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. on February 10, 2019. (Photo11: Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic)

More from Rovell's report:

JUST IN: Charlie Ebersol and the new football league, the AAF, have been sued by Robert Vanech, who said it was his idea to come up with league and was entitled to 50% ownership.

Vanech says agreement with Ebersol was ignored, seeks $$ and wants his name part of its history.

In lawsuit against AAF and Charlie Ebersol, Robert Vanech — who believed he had a "handshake agreement with Ebersol" said much of what he founded about the league was later credited to partner Bill Polian.

Exhibit in lawsuit shows that AAF originally planned to use XFL name & purchase assets from WWE & NBC for $50M.

AAF met with Vince McMahon and he decided to start league on his own.

This latest drama comes just a week after The Athletic reported that the AAF was only able to make payroll in its second week thanks to an emergency $250 million investment from Carolina Hurricanes majority owner Tom Dundon.

The AAF also disputed that report and said player play was never in question.

Dundon is now listed as the majority owner and chairman of the Alliance of American Football.

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