CFLPA president Elimimian confident union will be consulted on future rule changes

WINNIPEG – Once is enough for Solomon Elimimian and the CFL Players’ Association.

Elimimian said Friday the union wasn’t consulted in September when CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston unveiled the league’s two-part plan to change its rules and field dimensions. But the CFLPA president expressed confidence that wouldn’t happen again should the league decide upon any future changes.

“We were informed about these changes but not consulted.” Elimimian said during the CFLPA’s state of the league address. “That won’t happen again.

“We’ve had positive conversations with (commissioner) Stewart (Johnston) and the league about our expectations to be consulted on any future changes to our game. Rule adjustments can directly affect or fundamentally alter members’ jobs, and it’s important players’ perspectives are heard.”

Johnston held his first CFL state of the league news conference earlier Friday at Princess Auto. Not surprisingly, the changes to the rules and playing field were both hot topics.

In September, five months after succeeding Randy Ambrosie as CFL commissioner, Johnston raised eyebrows by announcing the league’s bold plan.

Starting next year, single points won’t be awarded for missed field goals. Ditto for punts and kickoffs that clear the end zone — either in the air or bouncing through.

If the ball in any of those situations comes to rest in the end zone and is picked up by a returner, a single will be awarded if the player kneels or is tackled before crossing the goal line. Also, all CFL stadiums will be required to have player bench areas on opposite sides of the field, and the league will implement a 35-second play clock. 

But the most significant changes will come in 2027. 

The CFL reduce the length of its fields from 110 yards to 100 and cut its end zones from 20 yards to 15 yards. And the goalposts — currently set on the goal line — will be pushed to the back of the end zone, a move the CFL feels will open up the middle and create more opportunities for touchdowns.

So on Sunday when the Montreal Alouettes and Saskatchewan Roughriders square off in the Grey Cup game, it will make the last year the game could be won by a missed field goal that sails out of the end zone, resulting in the single point.

There was plenty of criticism of the changes, most notably from B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke. The CFL’s outstanding player and top Canadian this season called the moves “garbage,” and claimed neither the players nor coaches were consulted.

Johnston said the changes won’t negatively impact the uniqueness of the Canadian game.

“When we announced those rule changes I didn’t do enough to emphasize something very important,” Johnston said. “Our unwavering commitment to the Canadian game.

“So let me be clear, we are three downs, 12 players, unlimited motion, 65 yards wide and huge end zones. These rules aren’t going anywhere. The new rules embrace innovation and perpetual improvement while protecting what makes Canadian football special.”

While Johnston expected some pushback, he said Friday the reaction from many players, agents and coaches has generally been positive.

“I’m excited by the future of where this can go,” Johnston said. “I think our coaches are going to take these new rule changes (and) create new strategies, create more aggressive playcalling certainly as it relates to third down, as it relates to when they’re heading toward the end zone or coming out.

“The coaches I’ve talked to have all expressed excitement about where this can go.”

Johnston also announced three new 2026 initiatives, including the CFL’s plan to overhaul its digital operation.

He said the CFL and its nine teams will have new websites next year. And he added the league will also develop a new app and introduce a season-long fantasy football game in time for the ’26 campaign.

The CFL website crashed during the ’25 draft, just Johnston’s third day on the job, and did so again on the opening exhibition game of the season. Unreliable league statistics were also an issue early this year.

“In today’s world, if you don’t have a modern, reliable digital offering you won’t succeed,” Johnston said. “If we want to be considered a major professional sports league this (website crashes) cannot happen.

“Perpetual improvement is not only important on the field but equally important off the field.”

Johnston was bullish on the positive impacts the app and fantasy football initiative could have.

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“It (CFL app) will allow fans to access and consume more content efficiently,” he said. “It will give current and future partners more sophisticated advertising opportunities and it help us connect with new fans and younger audiences in a meaningful way.

“Season-long fantasy is a gateway to fandom. The uniqueness of football makes it the sport of choice for fantasy players.”

Johnston also announced the CFL’s 2026 schedule will be released Dec. 9.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 14, 2025.

Note to readers:This is a corrected story. A previous version had in incorrect spelling of Solomon Elimimian’s last name