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The CFL will allow its players to compete for their country in flag football at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
The league announced Monday that its board of governors unanimously approved the players' participation.
Flag football will make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles.
The approval allows the CFL to begin working with the CFL Players Association, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and Olympic authorities to implement rules governing the participation of its players.
Canadians and Americans make up the majority of CFL rosters, but the league also features 37 international players from 16 countries.
The NFL announced in May that it would allow players from its teams to compete in the Los Angeles Games.
“It is a tremendous honor to represent my country in the best of the best competition,” CFL commissioner Stuart Johnston said in a statement. “While the Summer Olympics will be held during our season, the Governing Board recognizes the wealth of opportunity presented by competing on the biggest stage in international sport.
“Our incredible players will have the chance to gain unique experiences, they will be able to showcase the best of the CFL to the world, and they will be able to play a significant role in growing the game in Canada and around the world.”
In September, Canada's men's and women's national soccer teams qualified for the 2026 World Cup, the final step in Olympic qualification. This event will take place next year in Germany.
“It is a tremendous honor to compete in the Olympic Games, and we are excited to see our members have the opportunity to showcase their talents and the spirit of our league internationally,” said Solomon Elimimian, president of the CFL Players Association. “For many, flag football is the beginning of their football journey.
“Watching our members compete on the world stage will not only showcase the tremendous talent in the CFL, but will also serve as an inspiration to the next generation of players. We will continue to work with the CFL to ensure our players can make the most of this opportunity while keeping their health and safety a priority.”
The Canadian women's team finished second at the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) continental flag football championships in September in Panama, while the men's team finished third.
The men's team, coached by former CFL head coach Paul LaPolice, already has Anthony Auclair, a former NFL tight end and Super Bowl champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on its roster.
“We are fortunate in Canada to have strong, high-performing pathways that have produced the world-class talent we have today,” said Kevin McDonald, chief executive of Football Canada. “We look forward to working with the CFL to establish rules that will allow CFL players to compete for the opportunity to represent Canada in the future.
“This is an exciting time for our sport as we pursue the dream of Olympic travel.”
