The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has announced that clubs participating in the Preliminary Stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup will receive $50,000 each. This decision aligns with CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe’s commitment to improving club competitions and providing greater financial assistance to clubs across the continent.
The first leg of the First Preliminary Round is set to take place between August 16-18, with the return legs scheduled for August 23-25, 2024. The Second Preliminary Round will follow in September, offering clubs a chance to secure a place in the group stages.
This financial assistance is a historic first for CAF, as it marks the first time clubs at this early stage of the competition will receive direct financial support. Previously, clubs had to reach the group stages to be eligible for any share of the overall prize money.
CAF’s commitment to elevating African club football is evident in the substantial increases in prize money over the last two years. The winners of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League now receive $4,000,000, a significant increase from the $2,500,000 awarded in 2022. Similarly, the winners of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup now take home $2,000,000, compared to $1,200,000 in 2022.
Reflecting on these changes, Dr. Motsepe stated, “This financial boost is not just about rewarding success, but also about supporting the growth and sustainability of our clubs. We understand the financial strain that comes with competing at this level, and we are committed to easing that burden.”
The last two years have seen CAF significantly invest in African club football. In addition to the prize money for the Champions League and Confederation Cup, last year saw clubs benefit from the financial injection provided by the African Football League, which offered a total prize money of $8,000,000.
The introduction of financial support for preliminary round participants is expected to have a positive impact on the overall standard of club football in Africa. By alleviating some of the financial pressures associated with traveling and logistics, CAF hopes to incentivize more clubs to participate in continental competitions.
“The inclusion of preliminary round participants in the prize money distribution is a game-changer,” said an unnamed club official. “This move will encourage more teams to compete and strive for excellence, knowing that their efforts will be supported right from the start.”
CAF’s new prize money structure is as follows:
TotalEnergies CAF Champions League:
Winner: $4,000,000
Runner-up: $2,000,000
Semi-Finalists: $1,200,000
Quarterfinalists: $900,000
3rd of Group: $700,000
4th of Group: $ 700,000
TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup:
Winner: $2,000,000
Runner-up: $1,000,000
Semi-Finalists: $750,000
Quarterfinalists: $550,000
3rd of Group: $400,000
4th of Group: $400,000
Preliminary Round (Both Competitions): $50,000 per club
