New regulations : Marc-Antoine Dequoy confirms the Alouettes’ reaction

The Canadian Football League certainly intends to be more like the gigantic NFL. This can be deduced from the new rules confirmed by the CFL for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

The announcement quickly sparked strong reactions among the players, many of whom claimed to have been taken by surprise by the circuit's decision. Marc-Antoine Dequoy, star marauder for the Montreal Alouettes, expressed the general surprise felt within the Alouettes and across the league.

“We didn't expect this. I'd say it's mixed right now. There will be a lot of thinking to do” – Marc-Antoine Dequoy

These adjustments, the full details of which have yet to be assimilated by the teams, should transform several aspects of the game and lineup management. On the players' side, uncertainty prevails.

Some see an opportunity to improve the spectacle and modernize Canadiens football, while others fear more negative impacts.

For organizations, the new regulations mean a review of long-term strategic planning. Coaches and general managers will have to adapt their practice methods, personnel selection and recruitment strategies. One of the major challenges will be the ability of teams to adjust quickly.

But there are also positive aspects to the new regulations, according to Danny Maciocia, the Sparrows' general manager and head of football operations. Especially when it comes to moving the goalposts back from the end zone:

“I never understood why they were placed on the goal line for player safety. We've seen collisions before. Charleston Rambo hit the post at the start of the season.”

A shift that divides players and observers

The divided reaction of athletes testifies to a situation that is still unclear. Although the CFL is looking to boost its product and attract more fans, implementing such important regulations without thorough consultation risks creating a climate of incomprehension.

For Dequoy and many of his colleagues, time will be needed to analyze the concrete repercussions and adapt to this new reality.

With two years to go before the first phase of application, the debate has begun. The next few seasons will serve not only as a transition period, but also as a critical time to assess whether these measures will achieve their objective: to strengthen the appeal of Canadian football while respecting the integrity of the game and the well-being of players.

This content was created with the help of AI.