CFL didn’t meet with CFLPA on self-imposed deadline; not close to a deal

Photo courtesy: CFLPA

Following a report from Farhan Lalji that CFL football operations staffs were being told to begin preparations for a 2020 season beginning September 14, CFLPA president Solomon Elimimian has come out to publicly deny the rumours of optimism between the two sides.

“Farhan, not sure who your source is but with MANY issues unresolved The PA and league are NOT close to a deal,” the Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker wrote on Twitter.

“Did your source tell you the League failed to meet with PA last Friday? I won’t speak on what football ops are being directed to do but WE haven’t seen it.”

The Friday in question was the CFL’s own self-imposed deadline to reach a collective bargaining agreement with the players. Both sides agreed to extend the deadline as they await word on federal government assistance, but it had been reported that the sides were meeting round the clock to hammer out details. That apparently wasn’t the case.

Elimimian’s comments dump cold water on the early flames of optimism that were surfacing in regards to a potential agreement and season. It now seems clear that the two sides remain far apart, as commissioner Randy Ambrosie continues to come under intense scrutiny for his inaction in rectifying relationships with the players.