Football won’t be played in Canada this year. Canadian Football League (CFL) announced on Monday that the 2020 season will be canceled due to financial reasons.
According to CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie, the league would suffer “significant financial losses” if the games take place this year. The league considered playing a shortened season in a bubble setting, but it didn’t get the financial backing of the Canadian government for this plan.
CFL, however, remains committed to playing in 2021 and beyond.
“Our league governors decided today it is in the best long-term interests of the CFL to concentrate on the future,” said Ambrosie in a statement. “We are absolutely committed to 2021, to the future of our league and the pursuit of our vision of a bigger, stronger, more global CFL.”
Unlike the NFL, CFL relies on ticket sales for most of its funding. Due to coronavirus pandemic-related restrictions, fans aren’t allowed on stands in Canada, which immediately made it difficult for the league to come up with a feasible plan.
