One football league was knocked out by the COVID-19 pandemic, the XFL. Now, the CFL has decided it will wait until September — at the earliest — to try and play its regular season.
The CFL typically starts its season in June and it runs until the Grey Cup, which is played in late November.
The #CFL has issued an update regarding the 2020 season.
FULL DETAILS | https://t.co/jPtzIi1Do7 pic.twitter.com/ygHLiLGAAO
— CFL (@CFL) May 20, 2020
“We have learned three things about running a league in a pandemic. Certainty is hard to come by. Scenarios are plentiful. And public safety is paramount.
So, while we keep our focus on safety, we want to keep our fans informed as the number of possible scenarios narrows and decisions are made.
It now appears the earliest the CFL might return to play – for a shortened but meaningful season – is this September.
Of course, a final decision on whether that will indeed happen will depend on what governments tell us is safe for our players and fans.
But barring some huge development, like a vaccine for COVID-19, it now seems clear we can rule out playing games this summer. There are several reasons, including the continuing restrictions on assemblies, travel and border crossings. Notably, several provinces and municipalities have already decided to prohibit until September 1st, all sporting events featuring large gatherings.
https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1263184679416496128
The league also addressed what will happen to its championship game, the fabled Grey Cup.
It has become increasingly clear we will not be able to host a traditional Grey Cup and Grey Cup Festival, certainly not with the size and scope that has become customary.
With that in mind, and in agreement with the Roughriders, we have made the decision to change our Grey Cup plan. The Saskatchewan Roughriders have been awarded the 2022 Grey Cup. And if we return to play this year, the host of the 2020 Grey Cup Game will be determined by a “win and host’ model. The team that qualifies for the Grey Cup and has a superior regular-season record to its’ opponent will host the Grey Cup Game. This gives all nine CFL teams a shot at hosting the Grey Cup in this unprecedented year. We are also considering moving the Grey Cup into December, as we explore every option that will allow us to play as many games as possible in 2020.
The plan for the Grey Cup in 2021 remains unchanged: the Hamilton Tiger-Cats will host for the first time in 25 years.