The Canadian Football League (CFL) has approved its players’ participation in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. This decision allows CFL players to represent their countries in the upcoming Olympic Games, where flag football will be making its debut.
The approval was announced by the CFL on Monday after receiving unanimous support from the league’s board of governors. The CFL will now collaborate with the CFL Players’ Association, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), and Olympic authorities to establish the necessary rules for the players’ involvement.
While the majority of CFL rosters consist of Canadians and Americans, the league also features 37 global players from 16 different countries. The NFL had previously disclosed its decision to permit players from its teams to participate in the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston expressed the league’s enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “Representing your country in best-on-best competition is a tremendous honour.” He highlighted the significance of showcasing the CFL’s talent on a global platform and contributing to the growth of the sport both in Canada and internationally.
In a separate development, the Canadian men’s and women’s flag football teams earned spots in the 2026 world championships, a crucial step in Olympic qualification. These championships are scheduled to take place in Germany next year. Solomon Elimimian, president of the CFL Players’ Association, emphasized the importance of this opportunity for CFL players to display their skills and inspire future generations of athletes.
The Canadian women’s team recently secured a second-place finish at the IFAF Continental flag football championship in Panama, while the men’s team, led by former CFL head coach Paul LaPolice, claimed the third position. Notably, the men’s team includes Antony Auclair, a former NFL tight end and Super Bowl champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kevin McDonald, Executive Director of Football Canada, praised the strong high-performance pathways in Canada that have cultivated a competitive roster for flag football. He expressed excitement about collaborating with the CFL to enable CFL players to vie for a chance to represent Canada at the Olympics in the future.
Overall, the CFL’s decision to allow its players to participate in flag football at the 2028 Olympics signifies a significant milestone for both the league and Canadian athletes, as they strive towards achieving an Olympic berth in the sport.
