By Victor Kanayo
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a provision of $50,000 as assistance to Clubs participating in the preliminary stages of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.
This was disclosed by CAF via a statement to Heritage Times HT on Friday.
Part of the statement reads, “In line with the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) President Dr Patrice Motsepe’s promise to improve club Competitions and provide more financial assistance to Clubs, the Clubs participating in the Preliminary Stages of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup will receive USD 50,000 each.”
The first preliminary round begins with first leg matches scheduled between 16 and18 August, followed by return legs from 23 to 25 August, 2024.
The second preliminary round will take place in September, with group stage places at stake.
This is the first time CAF offers financial assistance to Clubs at this stage of the Competition.
Previously, Clubs needed to reach the Group Stages to be eligible to share the overall prize money.
“In the last two years, the CAF Executive has significantly increased investment in African Club Football: Winners of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League now take USD 4,000,000 – compared to the USD 2,500,000 they received in 2022.
“Winners of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup now take more USD 2,000,000 – compared to the USD 1,200,000 they received in 2022.
“Last year, Clubs benefited from the financial injection from the African Football League that offered a total prize money of USD 8,000,000.
“The significant step by CAF addresses the long-standing concerns from Clubs on the travelling and logistical costs associated escalating playing in club continental football.
“This financial boost for preliminary round participants complements the existing prize money structure for later stages of both competitions.
“This move is expected to incentivize more clubs to participate in continental competitions and raise the overall standard of club football in Africa,” the statement added.
