Flag Football aims to keep Olympics place beyond LA 2028 MIAMI, Dec 8, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - American football, in the form of flag football, will make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028 and the sport's governing body are already working to make sure the NFL-backed sport remains in the Games for the long term. Pierre Trochet, the French president of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), told AFP he was already working on plans to secure a place in the 2032 Summer Games in Brisbane, Australia. While the inclusion of the non-tackle version of the gridiron game in the LA Games was seen as a way to appeal to American fans, Trochet, who was re-elected as IFAF president on Saturday, believes the sport is developing global appeal. "LA 2028 is not a one and done for us. We're a sport that is ambitious to have a role in the Olympic Games, long-term, so yes, we are working with all stakeholders to prepare a very compelling proposal for Brisbane," he said in an online interview. "It's an ongoing process that hasn't formally started yet but we're excited by the opportunity and chance to develop our Brisbane plans," he added. The NFL are reportedly "exploring" the possibility of expanding their International Series to Australia with a regular season game or possibly the Pro Bowl. The Pro Bowl has featured flag football played by NFL players after re-branding to the Pro Bowl Games in 2023 and Trochet says the sport is finding fans in Australia. "Flag football is very fast-growing in Australia and the country and wider region is also a top priority market for the NFL with lots of potential developments in the works," he said. "The IFAF and the NFL share a commitment to strengthen the presence of American football in the Olympic movement over the long-term. We are also seeking inclusion in continental events and other multi-sport competitions," added Trochet. Flag football will be part of the 2025 World Games in Chengdu and at their congress this weekend federations from Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya and Malaysia were promoted from allied to associate members. NFL players have talked about wishing to represent their countries in LA in 2028 and Trochet believes the sport, which is played by men and women, fits the modern thinking in the Olympic movement. "I was listening to what (IOC) president (Thomas) Bach said this week about, 'new era Games'. What could be more new than us?" he said. The qualifying process for LA and the selection of stadiums is expected in the first half of 2025.

Flag Football strives to secure its position in the Olympics after LA 2028.

Flag Football strives to secure Olympic status beyond LA 2028 MIAMI, Dec 8, 2024 (BSS/AFP) – The sport of American football, through its flag football variant, is set to make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028, and the sport’s governing body is already taking steps to ensure the NFL-supported discipline remains part of […]

Flag Football strives to secure Olympic status beyond LA 2028

MIAMI, Dec 8, 2024 (BSS/AFP) – The sport of American football, through its flag football variant, is set to make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028, and the sport’s governing body is already taking steps to ensure the NFL-supported discipline remains part of the Games for the foreseeable future.

Pierre Trochet, the French president of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), shared with AFP that he is currently developing strategies to secure a spot in the 2032 Summer Games in Brisbane, Australia.

Although the addition of the non-tackle variant in the LA Games was perceived as a method to engage American audiences, Trochet, who was re-elected as IFAF president on Saturday, is optimistic about the sport’s growing international allure.

“LA 2028 is just the beginning for us. We are a sport that aspires to have a lasting presence in the Olympic landscape, and we are actively collaborating with all stakeholders to craft a compelling bid for Brisbane,” he stated in an online conversation.

“This is a continuous effort that hasn’t officially started yet, but we are thrilled by the prospect of advancing our plans for Brisbane,” he added.

The NFL is reportedly “looking into” the potential of extending their International Series to Australia with either a regular season matchup or perhaps the Pro Bowl.

The Pro Bowl has incorporated flag football starring NFL players after its rebranding to the Pro Bowl Games in 2023, and Trochet notes that the sport is attracting fans in Australia.

“Flag football is experiencing rapid growth in Australia, and the country, along with the broader region, is considered a priority market for the NFL, with many promising developments on the horizon,” he remarked.

“The IFAF and the NFL are united in their mission to enhance the presence of American football within the Olympic movement for the long haul. We are also aiming for inclusion in continental events and other multi-sport competitions,” Trochet added.

Flag football will feature in the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, and during their congress this weekend, federations from Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, and Malaysia advanced from allied to associate members.

NFL players have expressed a desire to represent their nations in LA in 2028, and Trochet believes the sport, which is accessible to both men and women, aligns well with contemporary ideas within the Olympic movement.

“I heard what (IOC) president (Thomas) Bach mentioned this week about ‘new era Games.’ What could be more innovative than us?” he stated.

The qualification process for LA and the selection of venues is anticipated in the first half of 2025.