The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a major increase in prize money for its flagship interclub competitions, the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup, as part of efforts to strengthen African club football and improve financial support for teams across the continent.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirmed that the winner of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League will now receive $6 million, representing a 50 percent increase from the previous prize.
Meanwhile, the champion of the CAF Confederation Cup will earn $4 million, which doubles the previous reward for the competition.
Significant Growth Under Motsepe’s Leadership
Since Motsepe assumed leadership of CAF in 2021, prize money in African club competitions has experienced significant growth.
When he first took office, the CAF Champions League winner earned $2.5 million, but that figure has now climbed to $6 million, marking a 140 percent increase over the past five years.
The CAF Confederation Cup has seen an even bigger jump.
The winner’s prize money has grown from $1.25 million in 2021 to $4 million, an increase of 220 percent.
CAF said the latest financial boost means that the total prize money and solidarity payments distributed to African clubs now exceed $42 million per season, representing a 114 percent rise compared with the $18.8 million that was distributed to clubs in 2021.
Increased Financial Support for Participating Clubs
Beyond the rewards for champions, CAF has also introduced financial support for clubs eliminated in the preliminary stages of its competitions.
In 2024, clubs knocked out in the early rounds of both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup began receiving $50,000 each.
That support was further increased in 2025, with eliminated clubs now receiving $100,000, a move designed to help teams manage travel costs and other expenses associated with continental competitions.
CAF believes these incentives have encouraged greater participation, with a record 130 clubs from across Africa taking part in the 2025/26 season of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
Key Prize Money Milestones
For the CAF Champions League, the winner’s reward has risen steadily over the years:
2021: $2.5 million
2024: $4 million
2026: $6 million
Similarly, the CAF Confederation Cup prize money has grown significantly:
2021: $1.25 million
2024: $2 million
2026: $4 million
Road to the 2026 Finals
CAF also confirmed the dates for the finals of the upcoming season.
The CAF Champions League final will be played over two legs on May 15 and May 24, 2026.
Meanwhile, the CAF Confederation Cup final will take place across two legs on May 9 and May 16, 2026.
CAF says the financial improvements are part of its long-term strategy to make African club football more competitive globally while ensuring that clubs receive greater financial backing to grow and develop.
The post CAF Increases Prize Money for Champions League and Confederation Cup Winners first appeared on Africa Top Sports.
