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CFL Proposes New Overtime Rules to Eliminate Ties

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The CFL rules committee proposes eliminating ties by using alternating plays from the opponent’s three-yard line to determine a winner.
Currently, regulation ties go to two overtime possessions.
If overtime leaves the score tied, the game ends in a tie.
The committee keeps a 20-second play clock for the final three minutes of a half, instead of a 35-second clock.
The proposals require approval from the CFL's board of governors.

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Story summary

The CFL rules committee proposes eliminating ties by using alternating plays from the opponent’s three-yard line to determine a winner.
Currently, regulation ties go to two overtime possessions.
If overtime leaves the score tied, the game ends in a tie.
The committee keeps a 20-second play clock for the final three minutes of a half, instead of a 35-second clock.
The proposals require approval from the CFL's board of governors.