After retiring from the CFL about six months ago, Marc-Antoine Dequoy has returned to the football scene, this time participating in the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world flag football championship in Duesseldorf, Germany. The 31-year-old safety made the decision to retire from the Montreal Alouettes in February, citing physical limitations that prevented him from committing to a full CFL season.
Despite initial reluctance, Dequoy was approached by Canadian head coach Paul LaPolice to join the flag football team. After deliberating and seeking advice from friends, he decided to give it a shot and found enjoyment and competitiveness in the new format. However, his participation was briefly interrupted when he co-hosted a television show called Avec ou Sans Cash from March to May.
Having missed the competitive aspect of football, Dequoy expressed his willingness to return to the sport and rejoin the Canadian flag football team. While he had a successful career in the CFL, including two Grey Cup appearances and a win in 2023, flag football presented a unique challenge due to its different rules and field dimensions.
Adjustments were made to Canada’s schedule in the world championship after Nigeria withdrew its teams due to visa issues. This resulted in Canada playing two preliminary-round games instead of three. The top finishers in the tournament will secure spots in the Olympics, with the possibility of additional qualifying events in the future for those who do not qualify in Germany.
Dequoy emphasized the significance of competing for an Olympic berth, highlighting the opportunity for football to be represented at the highest level of sports. The ultimate goal for the Canadian team is to secure a top-two or top-three finish to qualify for the Olympics, with an understanding that success in the world championship is crucial for advancing to the prestigious event.