CFL expected to delay start of 2021 season after board of governors meeting

The Canadian Football League is about to do the inevitable — postpone the kick-off of the 2021 campaign.

According to TSN reporter Dave Naylor: The CFL will hold a governors meeting Tuesday April 20. It’s expected they’ll delay start of season and hopefully provide some indication of what comes next. No coincidence that is one day after the federal budget is presented, giving owners opportunity to understand its impact.

The CFL unveiled its 2021 schedule in November with the pre-season slated to begin on Sunday, May 23. The regular season is scheduled to get underway on Thursday, June 10 and the Grey Cup is currently set for Sunday, November 21 in Hamilton.

The league office and players’ union began meetings during the second week of Februarywith a focus on playing football in 2021. The two sides have submitted return to play health and safety plans to various levels of government in Canada.

The CFL Players’ Association has repeatedly requested clarity regarding the start of the 2021 season, which the CFL has failed to provide. Commissioner Randy Ambrosie has promised plenty of football during the current year, but there has been no commitment as to when the league might kick-off, which has created unprecedented uncertainty for players and stakeholders.

Until clarity comes from a league office not known for transparency, everyone is left wondering.

3Down Staff