The slim possibility of seeing the Riders play in 2020 have gotten even slimmer.
According to TSN CFL Insider Dave Naylor, the federal government denied the CFL’s request for a $30-million loan. The funds were going to be used to have a shortened season in 2020. Naylor reports that the league got the news on Friday.
Federal source says government has denied @CFL’s request for $30 million loan to be directed towards shortened 2020 season. It has committed to work with the league to see what role it can play in its viability beyond ‘20. CFL’s BOG could determine fate of season on Mon. #CFL
— David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) August 17, 2020
The season was to have started more than two months ago. But the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to delay. The CFL has long said it will need financial assistance to play games in 2020, having been through several requests of the federal government.
Conversations with @CFL sources over past several weeks have indicated it is unlikely owners would stage a shortened 2020 season without federal assistance. #CFL
— David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) August 17, 2020
Most recently the league was negotiating on a $30-million no-interest loan to help them put on a 2020 season in Winnipeg. According to Naylor, $20 million would have gone to players, $8 million for the hub city and $2 million extra for contingencies.
As Naylor reports, the CFL Board of Governors is expected to meet on Monday to discuss its options for this season.
