Last month the CFL officially postponed their season from June 10th to August 5th. Even at the time, they still knew the very real consequences if the covid spread didn’t slowdown. CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie stated after the announcement that the league would know more in early to mid June, and would be able to decide based on projections.
Since then, there was promising news making the rounds that the CFL had received approvals from multiple provinces to return to play. With a little over two months until the league is hoping to return, two provinces still stand in the way.
Arash Madani reports that Lisa MacLeod (Ontario’s Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries) says it would “be ambitious” to have gatherings of over 5,000 at CFL stadiums in August. She goes on to state “I don’t see that at the moment”.
Lisa MacLeod, Ontario's Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, says it would "be ambitious" to have 5,000+ fans gatherings at #CFL stadiums in the province come August.
"I don't see that at the moment," MacLeod said. pic.twitter.com/sksKDJeP6l
— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) May 13, 2021
British Colombia and Ontario are currently going through covid surges. But, many are quickly getting the vaccine and the Canadian government will soon supply vaccines to all citizens of any age. Will it be enough time for the CFL to safely hold a season with fans at all games? Only time will tell.
To sum up: BC + Ontario government officials say they have NOT approved the #CFL return to play plan.
Ontario has no timeline on it, Ontario sport minister says fans in seats is "ambitious."
League has said they have to decide by mid-June on Aug. 5 start to a 14-game season pic.twitter.com/7srRnyyqGU
— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) May 13, 2021
At the moment the CFL is targeting a 14-game season, but depending if the timelines move again that could absolutely change. Although it’s possible that the CFL is once again forced to cancel its season, we don’t think it will come down to that. We do think that it could move out, or possibly play out of bubble locations of empty stadiums.
Since the XFL is on the sidelines this year, there’s a lot of new eyes on the CFL. When do you think the CFL season will kickoff? Will they postpone again? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord.
