By Our Corespondent
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has earmarked shs 114billion as cash rewards to elevate African football on and off the pitch.
CAF is the governing body for football (soccer) in Africa, overseeing continental competitions like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and managing African representation within FIFA, with its headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, and currently led by President Patrice Motsepe.
Founded in 1957 by Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, and South Africa, CAF organizes tournaments, regulates the sport, and promotes football development across its 54 member associations
Under the leadership of Dr Patrice Motsepe, CAF has steadily increased investment in its competitions, recognising that stronger tournaments drive growth, excitement and opportunity across the continent.
Participating teams will share a total prize fund of USD 32 million (Shs114 billion). The champions will walk away with US$7 million, which is roughly over sh26 billion. The runners-up will earn US$4 million (about sh15 billion), and the two losing semi-finalists will each take home US$2.5 million (about sh9.3 billion).
AFCON 2025, scheduled for 21 December to 18 January in Morocco, will be the most lucrative edition yet.
In January 2024, CAF announced a 40% increase in prize money, a boost that has generated new energy among teams and fans. With excitement building, CAF has also confirmed stadium rules for the event. A list of banned items, similar to those enforced at the 2024 African Nations Championship, will apply in Morocco. Fans will not be allowed to enter venues with food, alcoholic drinks, whistles and several other restricted objects. The measure is aimed at improving safety, comfort and organisation throughout the tournament.
The competition itself promises high drama from the opening whistle. Hosts Morocco headline Group A alongside Mali, Zambia and Comoros. Egypt, South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe will contest Group B, while Group C brings together Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania in one of the toughest line-ups. Defending champions Senegal lead Group D with DR Congo, Benin and Botswana, and Group E features Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea and Sudan. Group F rounds off the field with Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon and Mozambique.