Flag football aims to keep Olympics place beyond LA 2028

MIAMI – American football, in the form of flag football, will make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028 and the sport’s governing body wants to make sure it remains in the Games in 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, backed by the National Football League (NFL), in the 2028 Games was seen as a way to appeal to American fans, Trochet, who was re-elected as Ifaf chief on Dec 7, 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.

“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.”

The NFL is 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 rebranding 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.”

Flag football will be part of the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, and at Ifaf’s congress this past 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 Los Angeles 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 (International Olympic Committee) president (Thomas) Bach said this week about new-era Games. What could be more new than us?” he said.

The qualifying process for LA 2028 and the selection of stadiums are expected to be announced in the first half of 2025. AFP