By Canadian Press

Season intercepted by COVID

CFL cancels 2020 season during pandemic, ends 100-plus year run for Grey Cup

Aug 17, 2020 | 10:43 AM

The CFL has cancelled its 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It marks the first year the Grey Cup won’t be presented since 1919.

The league announced the move Monday, dashing hopes of a shortened season in the hub city of Winnipeg.

“Our league governors decided today it is in the best long-term interests of the CFL to concentrate on the future,” said Commissioner Randy Ambrosie on the league’s website.

“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.”

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

2h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

5h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

20h ago

The move comes after the CFL couldn’t solve a number of issues in an effort to try to salvage a season.

The league was unable to secure financing from the federal government after presenting Ottawa with a $30-million, interest-free loan request Aug. 3 to stage an abbreviated 2020 season. News of the deal falling through broke Sunday night.

League officials announced in late July they had chosen Winnipeg as a hub city for a regular season with six games, followed by an eight-team playoffs.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 17, 2020.

The Canadian Press