The Canadian Football League will go ahead with an abbreviated season this year. 

In a press release issued by the CFL on Wednesday morning, the league announced the target start date will now be August 5th, about 2 months later than initially expected. 

"I say ‘target date’ because our plans are subject to the state of COVID-19 across the country. A so-called ‘third wave’ in some provinces is forcing us today to postpone the start of our regular season, which had been scheduled for June 10," said commissioner Randy Ambrosie.

The plan is to carry out a 14-game season with a rescheduled date for the Grey Cup in Hamilton, Ontario - December 12th.

“So, what must be in place for us to kick off on August 5? Two things. 1. The approval of public health officials across the country of our plans for protecting the health of our players, coaches, and ultimately our fans, so a 2021 season is safe. 2. Permission from governments to host a significant number of fans in the stands, in a significant number of venues at the start of the season, and in the rest of our venues soon after that, so a 2021 season is financially tenable for our clubs." Ambrosie explained. 

The commissioner went on to explain the importance of having fans in attendance for the games, as ticket sales account for at least half of their revenue. 

“Our clubs already stand to suffer substantial financial losses this year. Playing without fans in the stands would dramatically increase those losses."

Ambrosie also noted the ever-changing landscape and how the league is willing to adapt. 

“We are prepared to be creative as well as prudent. For example, if we are unable to host fans in the East because of COVID-19, we are prepared to start play in the West, provided eastern teams can return to their home provinces, and play in front of their fans, later in the season."

“And we have contingency plans in place, should factors beyond our control delay the start of our season beyond August 5. The bottom line is we are optimistic we will have a season in 2021, culminating in a great Grey Cup."

You can read the full statement from the CFL HERE.