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, allowing CFL players to compete in the upcoming Olympic debut of flag football in Los Angeles.
With the majority of CFL rosters comprising Canadians and Americans, the league also boasts 37 global players from 16 different countries. The CFL will collaborate with the CFL Players’ Association, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), and Olympic authorities to establish regulations governing the involvement of its players in the Olympic event.
CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston expressed pride in the opportunity for players to represent their countries in top-tier competition, emphasizing the honor and exposure that comes with competing on the international stage. Despite the Olympics overlapping with the CFL season, the board of governors recognized the significance of participating in such a prestigious event.
The NFL had previously announced its allowance for players to join the L.A. Games, aligning with the CFL’s commitment to showcasing the best of their respective leagues on a global platform. The CFL Players’ Association’s president, Solomon Elimimian, highlighted the importance of this opportunity for players to exhibit their skills internationally and inspire future generations of athletes.
Notably, the Canadian men’s and women’s flag football teams have secured spots in the 2026 world championships, a key step in Olympic qualification. Both teams performed well in recent IFAF competitions, with the women’s team finishing second and the men’s team securing a third-place finish.
Former CFL head coach Paul LaPolice is coaching the men’s team, which includes notable players like Antony Auclair, a former NFL tight end and Super Bowl champion. Football Canada’s executive director, Kevin McDonald, emphasized the strong talent pool in Canada and the collaborative efforts with the CFL to enable Canadian players to compete for Olympic representation in the future.
The anticipation surrounding CFL players’ participation in flag football at the 2028 Olympics reflects a shared enthusiasm for the sport’s growth and international recognition, marking a significant milestone for Canadian football on the global stage.