Grey Cup is a Canadian professional football trophy. It goes to the winner of the annual play-off game between the champions of the two divisions of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Earl Grey, a Canadian governor general, donated the cup in 1909 for “the amateur rugby football championship of Canada.” Any amateur, college, or semiprofessional team registered with the Canadian Rugby Union could compete. But since 1954, only professional football teams have played for the Grey Cup. The CFL gained permanent possession of the cup in 1966.
See also Football (Canadian football); Grey, Earl.
