The Canadian government has let the CFL know it won’t be providing a league-specific financial package for use towards playing a 2020 season.
For weeks the feds have been going back and forth with the CFL regarding potential aid amid the COVID-19 pandemic. According to federal government officials, they let the CFL know Friday evening that there will not be an avenue for the league to obtain a $30 million interest-free loan.
There are loan programs available to businesses in Canada that are struggling because of the coronavirus crisis, all of which come with interest attached. That leaves the ball in the league’s court regarding whether or not they look into those options.
When it comes to the long-term financial stability of the league, the feds are open to doing a deep dive to understand what might be needed. The CFL would have to open up its books and do a complete, transparent review with the Canadian government if it wants to pursue that possibility.
The feds want to see the CFL continue to operate, but there won’t be a catered solution for a shortened schedule in 2020. 3DownNation reached out to the league office, but the CFL has no comment regarding the government decision.
The league has repeatedly stated that a season this year cannot be played without support from the federal government. As such, it appears the CFL will have to find another solution or decide to focus on 2021 and the future.
