The Canadian Football League (CFL) has given the green light for its players to participate in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. This decision was announced by the league on Monday after receiving unanimous approval from its board of governors.
Flag football is set to make its debut at the upcoming Olympics in Los Angeles. The CFL’s approval allows the league to collaborate with the CFL Players’ Association, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), and Olympic authorities to establish regulations for the involvement of its players.
While the majority of CFL rosters consist of Canadians and Americans, the league also includes 37 global players from 16 different countries. In a similar move, the National Football League (NFL) previously announced that its players would also be permitted to compete in the L.A. Games.
CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston expressed pride in allowing players to represent their countries in high-level competition, emphasizing the honor it brings. Despite the Olympics coinciding with the CFL season, the board of governors recognized the unique opportunities presented by competing on a global stage.
Solomon Elimimian, president of the CFL Players’ Association, highlighted the significance of members showcasing their skills internationally and inspiring future players. The association will prioritize the health and safety of players while ensuring they maximize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The Canadian men’s and women’s flag football teams have already advanced to the 2026 world championships as part of the Olympic qualification process, with the event scheduled to take place in Germany next year. The Canadian women’s team secured second place at the IFAF Continental flag football championship in Panama, while the men’s team, led by former CFL head coach Paul LaPolice, claimed third place.
Kevin McDonald, the executive director of Football Canada, commended the strong high-performance pathways in Canada that have led to the development of a talented roster. He looks forward to collaborating with the CFL to establish guidelines enabling CFL players to compete for the chance to represent Canada on the international stage and pursue an Olympic opportunity.