CFL going back to 20-second play clock in last three minutes of halves

A football sits on the sidelines during opening day of training camp in Calgary, Sunday, May 12, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

TORONTO — The CFL will keep its 20-second play clock this season after all.

CFL games will adopt a 35-second play clock in 2026 but return to a 20-second clock for the final two minutes of each half.

It’s a move the league’s board of governors approved following recommendations from the rules committee, which is made up of head coaches, team presidents, the Officials Association and the CFL Players’ Association.

Over the final three minutes of each half, the 20-second clock will start on the snap of the first play following the three-minute warning.

In other adjustments, regular-season games will not end in a tie. If teams remain level following the second overtime mini-game, alternate two-point converts will be attempted from the three-yard line until a winner is determined. All attempts will come from the same end of the field as the mini-game.

Each team can take a 15-second timeout in overtime.

Also, the replay centre will now automatically review a turnover on downs.

Other adjustments include:

— A half or game can end on a quarterback kneel if the defence has no timeouts left, the play comes on first down and the offence wishes to complete the half or game and there’s under 40 seconds remaining to play.

— The ball will be scrimmaged from the 40-yard line if a field-goal attempt hits the goalpost and no points are awarded, or if a kick goes out of bounds through the end zone with no point awarded.

— Team bench areas will be between the 40-yard lines on opposite sidelines. Bench violations could result in penalties during a game and supplementary discipline.

— Before games, teams can provide officials with a third ineligible number capable of reporting and lining up in an eligible position.

— An incomplete pass will be added to the possible outcomes available to the defending team when an ineligible receiver penalty is called.

The league also announced tweaks to how its replay centre operates. With the implementation of the 35-second play clock, on-field and replay officials have been directed to avoid slowing the game down unless a critical ruling is in question.

The league says the replay centre will continue supporting on-field officials during natural breaks in play, when the 20-second clock is in effect or in automatic review situations.

The CFL regular season kicks off June 4 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats hosting the Montreal Alouettes.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 12, 2026.