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 unanimously approved by the league’s board of governors, paving the way for CFL athletes to compete in the upcoming Olympic Games.
Flag football is set to make its debut at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone for the sport. The CFL’s approval now allows the league to collaborate with the CFL Players’ Association, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), and Olympic authorities to establish regulations governing the involvement of CFL players in the event.
While the majority of CFL rosters are comprised of Canadians and Americans, the league also boasts 37 global players from 16 different countries. In a similar move, the NFL had previously announced its decision to permit players from its teams to take part in the 2028 Olympic Games.
CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating that representing one’s country in top-tier competition is a great honor. Despite the Olympics coinciding with the CFL season, the board of governors acknowledged the immense benefits of showcasing CFL talent on a global platform and contributing to the growth of the sport both in Canada and worldwide.
Furthermore, the Canadian men’s and women’s flag football teams have progressed to the 2026 world championships, a crucial step in Olympic qualification. This upcoming event is scheduled to take place in Germany next year. Solomon Elimimian, president of the CFL Players’ Association, emphasized the significance of this opportunity for CFL members to demonstrate their skills internationally and inspire future generations of players.
At a recent competition in Panama, the Canadian women’s team secured a second-place finish, while the men’s team claimed third place. The men’s team, under the guidance of former CFL head coach Paul LaPolice, includes notable talents such as Antony Auclair, a former NFL tight end and Super Bowl champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kevin McDonald, executive director of Football Canada, highlighted the strong high-performance pathways in Canada that have cultivated a talented roster capable of competing at the highest level. Collaborative efforts between Football Canada and the CFL are underway to establish guidelines enabling CFL players to vie for the opportunity to represent Canada at future international competitions, including the Olympics.
This development marks an exciting chapter for the sport as it strives to secure an Olympic berth, showcasing the growth and potential of flag football on a global scale.
