The Confederation of African Football, CAF has affirmed that winner of its 2026 Champions League Final between AS FAR and Mamelodi Sundowns would receive USD 6 million (N8bn) – this is a jump from almost USD 4 Million to the prize money five years ago.
Such has been the significant increase by the Confédération Africaine de Football, CAF in its investment in African football over the last five years.
The funding for CAF Interclubs has increased from USD 19 million in 2021 to USD 48 million in 2026, an increase of 153% since Dr Patrice Motsepe became President.
The growth reflects CAF’s strategic commitment to strengthening the commercial value, competitiveness and global profile of interclub football in Africa, while enhancing financial sustainability for clubs across the continent and allowing more teams to compete in its competitions.
The increase in prize money and solidarity payments to Clubs has led to record entry of Clubs in this season’s CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.
Over the past five years, CAF has implemented a comprehensive transformation programme across its interclub competitions, resulting in substantial increases in prize money, commercial investment and participation by clubs.
The winners of the CAF Champions League now receive a record USD 6 million, while the champions of the CAF Confederation Cup receive USD 4 million. Financial rewards across all stages of the two competitions have also been significantly enhanced since 2021.
CAF has further introduced solidarity payments to clubs participating in the preliminary stages of interclub competitions, helping offset travel, accommodation and operational costs associated with continental football. The solidarity contribution started with USD 50,000 per club at inception in the 2024/25 season, increasing to USD 100,000 per club in the current campaign.
This investment is already bearing fruit, with a record 62 clubs taking part in the CAF Champions League in 2025/26, and 58 clubs in the CAF Confederation Cup, also a new high for the competition.
As part of the broader commercial growth strategy, total prize money for the CAF Champions League awarded to teams that reach the group stage and beyond has increased to USD 19.6 million, while the CAF Confederation Cup prize pool increased million to USD 11.9 million.
The increased investment has contributed to improve competitiveness across CAF interclub competitions, enhanced club professionalism, stronger commercial partnerships and created greater international broadcast visibility for African football.
The approach also affords sustainable economic opportunities for clubs, players, sponsors and broadcast partners across the continent, and strengthens the competitions into the future.
CAF Champions League: Winning team to earn N8bn
*Says raised prize money has attracted more clubs to the competition
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