The Canadian Football League (CFL) has given the green light for its players to participate in flag football at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. This decision was unanimously approved by the league’s board of governors, opening the door for CFL players to showcase their skills on the Olympic stage.
Flag football will be making its debut at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, and the CFL’s approval sets the stage for collaboration with the CFL Players’ Association, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), and Olympic authorities to establish the necessary regulations for player participation.
While the majority of CFL rosters consist of Canadians and Americans, the league also boasts 37 global players from 16 different countries. This move follows a similar decision by the NFL, which announced earlier that its players would also be eligible to compete in the L.A. Games.
CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston expressed excitement about the opportunity for players to represent their countries in elite competition, emphasizing the importance of showcasing the CFL’s talent on a global platform and contributing to the growth of the sport both in Canada and worldwide.
The Canadian men’s and women’s flag football teams have already secured spots in the 2026 world championships, a significant step towards Olympic qualification. The upcoming event in Germany will be a crucial test for these teams as they aim to secure their places at the 2028 Olympics.
Solomon Elimimian, president of the CFL Players’ Association, highlighted the honor of competing in the Olympics and the potential for CFL players to serve as inspirations for future generations of athletes. The association remains committed to working closely with the CFL to ensure that player health and safety are top priorities throughout this process.
Canada’s success in flag football was evident as the women’s team finished second at the recent IFAF Continental championship in Panama, with 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, praised the strong development pathways in Canada that have led to a talented roster capable of competing at a world-class level. The collaboration between Football Canada and the CFL aims to establish guidelines for CFL players to compete for the opportunity to represent Canada on the Olympic stage, marking an exciting chapter for the sport as it pursues Olympic qualification.