In a move aligned with CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe’s commitment to enhance club competitions and provide increased financial support, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that clubs competing in the preliminary stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup will each receive USD 50,000.
The First Preliminary Round of the competitions is set to commence with first leg matches from August 16-18, 2024, followed by the return legs from August 23-25, 2024. The Second Preliminary Round is scheduled for September, where teams will vie for places in the group stages.
This initiative marks the first time CAF has offered financial assistance at this early stage of the competition. Previously, clubs could only receive financial rewards upon reaching the group stages.
Over the past two years, CAF has made substantial investments in African club football:
Total Energies CAF Champions League: Winners now receive USD 4,000,000, up from USD 2,500,000 in 2022.- Total Energies CAF Confederation Cup: Winners now take home USD 2,000,000, an increase from USD 1,200,000 in 2022.
- African Football League: Last year, clubs benefited from a total prize pool of USD 8,000,000.
Prize Money Breakdown:
Total Energies CAF Champions League:
- Winner: USD 4,000,000
- Runner-up: USD 2,000,000
- Semi-Finalists: USD 1,200,000
- Quarterfinalists: USD 900,000
- 3rd in Group: USD 700,000
- 4th in Group: USD 700,000
Total Energies CAF Confederation Cup:
- Winner: USD 2,000,000
- Runner-up: USD 1,000,000
- Semi-Finalists: USD 750,000
- Quarterfinalists: USD 550,000
- 3rd in Group: USD 400,000
- 4th in Group: USD 400,000
CAF’s latest financial boost addresses longstanding concerns about the travel and logistical expenses associated with competing in continental football. This additional funding for preliminary round participants complements the existing prize money structure for later stages of both competitions, aiming to encourage more clubs to engage in continental tournaments and elevate the standard of club football across Africa.