There has been plenty of speculation surrounding the potential sale of the Montreal Alouettes and it seems control of the franchise could be taken over by the Canadian Football League.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the #CFL announces it’s assuming control today of #AlsMTL. Whether this move is temporary or not remains to be seen. But it would be the end of an era with the Wetenhall family — Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) April 5, 2019

#CFL sources tell me Wetenhall family will not sell to either mystery man Clifford Starke or #Alouettes alum Eric Lapointe. — Rick Moffat (@RickMoffat) April 5, 2019

#CFL deal to buy #Als and/or operate the club until next owners are found should be in place very soon. — Rick Moffat (@RickMoffat) April 5, 2019

According to a league source, “The #Alouettes continue to be owned by the Wetenhall’s”

Also I’m told as of yesterday, Eric LaPointe’s group is out of this transaction.

Obviously all things are fluid. @CFLonTSN @TSN_Sports #CFLhttps://t.co/HVCySyG1Mx — Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) April 5, 2019

I will reiterate, according to my information, the Wetenhall family is out. Whether it’s now or an hour from now. And the league knows it won’t look good to say it’s running the team. As for Eric Lapointe, indeed, he’s out, regrettably. He and his group would have been good. https://t.co/dtuOFUmxNg — Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) April 5, 2019

Former CFL running back Eric LaPointe had been outspoken about having a group that wants to purchase the Alouettes and run it with local people involved.

From Eric Lapointe: “If I can say one thing , I gave everything I had. I love this team.” — Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) April 5, 2019

Selon les informations que j’ai recueilli deux groupes sont toujours dans la course pour acheter les Alouettes. 🏈 From what I gathered there’s still two groups who are trying to buy the Als. https://t.co/Nl81a4deSP — Didier Orméjuste 🇭🇹 (@DidierRDS) April 5, 2019

The Canadian Press’ Dan Ralph reported at the end of March during the CFL combine that the league could assume ownership of the Alouettes while it looks to find a new buyer for the franchise.

Robert Wetenhall has owned the team since 1997 when he brought the team back from the brink of insolvency. He was responsible for the team’s successful relocation to Percival Molson Stadium and eventually expansion while overseeing the team’s run of dominance from 1999 to 2012 when the Als finished first in the East Division nine times in 14 seasons, winning three Grey Cups.

The team has fallen on hard times in recent years, missing the playoffs for four straight seasons, the longest streak in franchise history. The Alouettes have struggled at the gate as well as fans have tired of the perpetual on-field ineptitude.

While collective bargaining agreements negotiations are ongoing, the CFLPA is aware the league is actively involved with Montreal.