The CFL could be folding "within a month to six weeks,"
according to "confidential information" obtained yesterday by the
Toronto GLOBE & MAIL. League owners and lawyers have reportedly
been secretly examining the idea of "folding the league and then
reopening a few days later under a new name, in time for the 1995
season." The move would "eliminate the mandatory Canadian
content" on team rosters -- something that has been a "major
stumbling block" in negotiating a new CBA. If a new league is
formed, it would contain the same teams and style as the current
CFL, but the teams would be allowed to use "whatever players they
wish, regardless of nationality." Under current rules, Canadian-
based teams must "employ" at least 20 Canadian players, while
U.S.-based teams do not. Players union President Dan Ferrone:
"If the CFL folds up and then becomes another U.S. Football
League or World Football League, it would do irreparable damage
to its reputation. It would be taking a major step backwards, in
my opinion" (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 2/16).
