The Canadian Football League (CFL) has given the green light for its athletes to compete in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The decision was announced by the league on Monday following unanimous approval from its board of governors.
Flag football is set to make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles, with the CFL now able to 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.
While Canadians and Americans dominate CFL rosters, the league also boasts 37 global players from 16 different countries. In a similar move, the NFL had previously announced in May that its players would also be permitted to participate in the upcoming L.A. Games.
CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Representing your country in best-on-best competition is a tremendous honor. The board of governors acknowledged the multitude of opportunities presented by competing on the world’s biggest international sports stage, despite the Summer Olympics coinciding with our season.”
Johnston continued, “Our exceptional players will have a chance to partake in a once-in-a-lifetime experience, showcasing the best of the CFL on a global scale. Their participation will play a significant role in expanding the sport’s reach across Canada and around the globe.”
The Canadian men’s and women’s flag football teams recently secured spots in the 2026 world championships, marking progress in Olympic qualification. These championships are scheduled to take place in Germany next year.
Solomon Elimimian, President of the CFL Players’ Association, expressed his excitement, stating, “Competing in the Olympics is a tremendous honor. We are thrilled to see our members seize the opportunity to display their skills and the essence of our league on an international platform. For many, flag football marks the beginning of their football journey.”
Elimimian added, “Watching our members compete globally will not only highlight the remarkable talent within the CFL but will also inspire the next generation of players. We are committed to working closely with the CFL to ensure our players can maximize this opportunity while prioritizing their health and safety.”
At a recent IFAF Continental flag football championship in Panama, the Canadian women’s team secured a second-place finish, while the men’s team clinched third place. The men’s team, led by former CFL head coach Paul LaPolice, includes Antony Auclair, a former NFL tight end and Super Bowl champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kevin McDonald, Executive Director of Football Canada, remarked, “Canada benefits from robust high-performance pathways that have cultivated the talented, world-class roster we have today. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with the CFL to establish guidelines enabling CFL players to vie for the chance to represent Canada in the future.”
McDonald concluded, “This marks an exciting period for our sport as we chase the dream of securing an Olympic berth.”