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It’s believed the alliance’s founding agreement includes pledges to encourage youth participation in touch, flag and tackle football; to share expertise in player health and safety as well as the technical development of coaches, players and officials; to enrich the fan experience and grow the base; and to create revenue streams that benefit all 12 signatories to the agreement, including the CFL.

“To grow the sport further and give all the athletes an achievable access to professional football, it is indispensable to increase the network and communication between the leagues and the federations,” said a federation executive. “The alliance is a new approach. We are very excited to learn from the CFL and all partner leagues of the alliance and to also share our experience and point of view.

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“We deeply believe that you have to work together on the international level to grow the sport. Especially when the national amateur or semi-pro league (has) achieved a certain size and quality of play.”

A source said this new alliance will not infringe upon the territory, rights or responsibilities of the International Federation of American Football, which is recognized worldwide as the governing body for the sport. If flag football is to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Olympic Games, for instance, IFAF will be the relevant sports organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee.

The alliance, meanwhile, will be busying itself with other priorities. It’s believed there will be a meeting of all alliance members early in 2020, but the CFL wasn’t confirming any details. Through a spokesperson, the league said it would not comment on the international initiative until Friday’s announcement. Fair enough.