The Canadian Football League, whose season normally kicks off in June, has decided to postpone the start until at least this September due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The CFL issued a statement on Wednesday, which reads in part:
“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.”
The NFL has not yet made any similar declarations, and in fact, some team facilities began to slowly open this week. With the start of the 2020 regular season still months away, the league has some time before any major decisions have to be made.
