GNC Delegates Development of Proposed Mexico Tournament to FMFA

Vancouver, British Columbia — June 17, 2026 — The Gridiron Nations Championship (GNC) has concluded discussions regarding the potential hosting of a GNC-affiliated international football tournament in Mexico during the 2026-27 international season.

Over the past several months, GNC and representatives of the Mexican Federation of American Football (FMFA) explored a variety of event concepts, governance structures, operational models, commercial frameworks, and hosting arrangements intended to support the growth of international tackle football competition.

Following those discussions, FMFA has elected to pursue a tournament structure and operating model that differs from the governance, financial oversight, and event management framework proposed by GNC.

As a result, the GNC has delegated responsibility for the continued development and organization of the proposed tournament to FMFA.

Under this approach, FMFA will assume responsibility for all aspects of event planning and delivery, including venue selection, participating teams, sponsorship, broadcast arrangements, commercial rights, event operations, financial management, and stakeholder engagement.

The GNC acknowledges FMFA's interest in hosting an international football tournament in Mexico and encourages FMFA to work directly with prospective participating nations, leagues, sponsors, broadcasters, venues, and other stakeholders to determine the viability of the proposed event.

Should FMFA successfully develop and organize a tournament that meets the required standards, the GNC would be willing to review the event for potential designation as a GNC Cup Tournament or single game.

Any future consideration by GNC would be subject to the event demonstrating appropriate operational readiness and compliance with applicable international standards, including:

• Compliance with an IFAF-recognized rulebook;

• Athlete health, safety, and welfare requirements;

• Competition integrity standards;

• Anti-doping requirements;

• Qualified officiating and competition management;

• Appropriate governance and operational controls;

• Confirmation of participating teams and event viability.

  
  

At this time, the GNC has not committed teams, sponsors, underwriters, broadcasters, financial resources, or operational resources to the proposed FMFA event.

The GNC remains focused on developing sustainable international competition opportunities that are transparent, professionally managed, financially accountable, and aligned with internationally recognized football standards.

While FMFA pursues its proposed tournament model, the GNC will continue advancing other competition opportunities currently under development for the 2027 season. Discussions with prospective hosts, leagues, national teams, commercial partners, and event stakeholders are ongoing, and the organization remains committed to expanding its international competition platform through partnerships that align with its governance, operational, and strategic objectives.

The GNC will not delay its broader development plans pending the outcome of any single event proposal. As opportunities mature, further announcements regarding the 2027 season will be made in due course.

About the Gridiron Nations Championship

The Gridiron Nations Championship (GNC) is an international football competition platform designed to create meaningful and sustainable opportunities for national teams, representative teams, and emerging football markets. Through professionally managed international events, the GNC seeks to promote athlete development, international cooperation, and the continued growth of tackle football worldwide.