The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a significant increase in prize money for the winners of its two major club competitions this season. According to a CAF statement on Monday, the 2025/26 CAF Champions League champions will receive six million dollars (5.18 million euros), up from four million dollars last season.
Meanwhile, the CAF Confederation Cup winners — the second-tier competition comparable to Europe’s UEFA Europa League — will pocket four million dollars, marking a 50 percent rise from last year. Runners-up prize money remains unced, with beaten finalists in the Champions League receiving two million dollars and one million dollars in the Confederation Cup.
CAF’s move is expected to be welcomed by clubs, who have often highlighted the financial strains of participating in African competitions. Travel expenses are a major concern, as direct flights between many African countries are limited or nonexistent. In some cases, it is cheaper for clubs to travel to Europe than within Africa, leading some southern African teams to route through the Middle East or Europe for northern fixtures.
The increase in prize money comes under the leadership of CAF president Patrice Motsepe, who has implemented several enhancements since assuming office in 2021 and is currently serving a second four-year term.
CAF’s quarter-final first legs for both competitions are scheduled for this weekend. The action begins on Friday in Pretoria, where South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns will host Stade Malien of Mali in the Champions League.
Clubs hope that the higher rewards will make African competitions more financially sustainable and encourage stronger performances across the continent.
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