Forget about Michael Vick playing in the Canadian Football League.

Vick's speed and sprint-out style look ideal for the CFL, but the Atlanta Falcons quarterback at the centre of dogfighting charges will not be allowed to play in Canada if, as expected, he is suspended by the NFL.

A rule approved by the CFL in the off-season bars clubs from signing players who are under suspension in the NFL. The rule was adopted in response to the Toronto Argonauts' signing last season of running back Ricky Williams, who was serving a one-year suspension for drug use.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is expected to wait until Vick enters his plea in court on Monday before deciding whether to suspend the quarterback. He has been barred from the Falcons' training camp and Goodell has asked the club not to take any action until the league makes its ruling.

It is uncertain whether an NFL suspension would run concurrently with any prison term or take effect after he is released from custody. He could miss the 2007 and 2008 seasons.

Vick has agreed to plead guilty to charges related to his involvement in the Bad Newz Kennels dogfighting operation in his native Virginia. U.S. federal prosecutors have reportedly recommended a sentence of between one year and 18 months in prison.

A Richmond, Va., prosecutor said this week the state may also pursue charges against Vick for dogfighting and animal cruelty. Each carries a five-year maximum sentence.

CFL commissioner Mark Cohon declined to comment on Vick.

Montreal Alouettes coach and general manager Jim Popp said this week he did not believe any CFL club had Vick on its negotiating list. The lists are not made public.

And Toronto Argonauts coach Mike (Pinball) Clemons said that was likely because "I don't think anyone could have guessed he'd ever come to the CFL.

"That would be why no one has his rights, but I don't know.''

Clemons also opted to steer clear of comment on Vick.

"I think I have to stay out of his house now and let him put his house in order,'' Clemons added. "There are things bigger than football for Michael Vick right now and he needs to attend to that.''

The Vick case has outraged animal rights advocates and his popularity with the public has plummeted since police first raided his property for evidence four months ago.

He is charged with conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and conspiracy to sponsor a dog in a fight.

Three Vick associates who have pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges said Vick provided gambling and operating funds for Bad Newz Kennels. Two of them also said Vick took part in executing eight underperforming dogs.

With files from The Associated Press