Once was sufficient for Solomon Elimimian and the CFL Players’ Association. Elimimian mentioned that the union was not consulted in September when CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston revealed the league’s plans to alter rules and field dimensions. However, Elimimian, who serves as the CFLPA president, expressed confidence that the lack of consultation would not recur if the league decides on any future changes.
“We were informed about these changes but not consulted,” Elimimian stated during the CFLPA’s state of the league address. “That won’t happen again. We have engaged in positive discussions with Commissioner Stewart and the league regarding our expectations to be included in any future alterations to our game. Adjustments to rules can directly impact or significantly change the roles of our members, and it is vital that players’ viewpoints are taken into account.”
Johnston conducted his inaugural CFL state of the league news conference earlier on Friday at Princess Auto, where the changes to rules and the playing field were prominently discussed. In September, Johnston, who succeeded Randy Ambrosie as CFL commissioner five months prior, caused a stir by announcing the league’s ambitious plan.
Effective next year, single points will no longer be granted for missed field goals, punts, or kickoffs that clear the end zone, whether through the air or on a bounce. If the ball in any of those scenarios lands in the end zone and is recovered by a returner, a single will be awarded if the player is tackled or kneels before crossing the goal line. Additionally, all CFL stadiums will be mandated to have player bench areas on opposite sides of the field, and a 35-second play clock will be implemented.
However, the most significant changes are anticipated for 2027. The CFL intends to reduce the length of its fields from 110 yards to 100 and shrink its end zones from 20 yards to 15. The goalposts, currently positioned on the goal line, will be relocated to the back of the end zone, a shift the CFL believes will open up the center and create more scoring opportunities.
In the upcoming Grey Cup game on Sunday between the Montreal Alouettes and Saskatchewan Roughriders, it will mark the final year in which a game could be decided by a missed field goal that exits the end zone, resulting in a single point.
The changes faced criticism, notably from B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke, who was named the CFL’s outstanding player and top Canadian this season. Rourke labeled the adjustments as “garbage” and claimed that neither players nor coaches were consulted.
Johnston defended the changes, asserting that they would not diminish the uniqueness of the Canadian game. He stressed the league’s steadfast commitment to the distinct features of Canadian football, including three downs, 12 players, unlimited motion, a 65-yard width, and expansive end zones. Johnston emphasized that these core rules would remain unchanged while the new modifications aim to promote innovation and continuous enhancement while preserving the essence of Canadian football.
While expecting some resistance, Johnston noted that the response from many players, agents, and coaches has generally been favorable. He expressed enthusiasm for the future potential of the changes and anticipated that coaches would leverage the new rules to devise innovative strategies and more aggressive playcalling, particularly concerning third downs and scoring opportunities.
Johnston also unveiled three new initiatives for 2026, including a comprehensive overhaul of the CFL’s digital operations. The CFL and its nine teams are set to launch new websites next year, along with the development of a new app and the introduction of a season-long fantasy football game for the 2026 season.
The CFL website experienced crashes during the 2025 draft and the opening exhibition game of the season, prompting Johnston to underscore the necessity of having a modern and reliable digital platform for the league’s success. He emphasized the importance of continual improvement both on and off the field to ensure the league’s competitiveness.
Johnston highlighted the positive impact of the upcoming app and fantasy football initiative, emphasizing that they would enhance fan engagement, provide advanced advertising opportunities for partners, and help attract new fans and younger audiences effectively. He described season-long fantasy as a gateway to fostering fandom, citing football’s unique qualities as a preferred choice for fantasy players.
Additionally, Johnston announced that the CFL’s 2026 schedule would be unveiled on December 9.
