Motsepe announces record-breaking prize increase for CAF inter-club winners

CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe has once again signalled a new era of financial prosperity for African football, announcing a massive $2 million increase in prize money for the winners of both the Totalenergies Champions League and the Totalenergies Confederation Cup for the 2025/26 season.

The announcement, made on Monday, marks a historic shift under Motsepe’s leadership. The move is part of an ongoing strategy to make African club competitions “globally competitive” and provide sustainable financial support to clubs across the continent.

The CAF Big Money Breakdown

The stakes for Africa’s premier club competition have reached an all-time high. The winner of the Total Energies Champions League 2025/26 will now walk away with a staggering $6 million—a massive 50% increase from previous cycles.

The secondary continental tournament has seen an even more dramatic percentage jump. The victor of the Totalenergies Caf Confederation Cup will now receive $4 million, representing a 100% increase in the winning purse.

With Motsepe at the wheel of the continent’s football governing body five years ago, the financial rewards have skyrocketed:

Champions League: increased from $2.5 million to $6 million — a 140% rise.

Confederation Cup: increased from $1.25 million to $4 million — a 220% rise.

The total prize money and solidarity pool for African clubs now exceeds $42 million per season, a monumental jump from the $18.8 million allocated back in 2021.

CAF and Motsepe’s Support for the ‘Underdogs’

Beyond the silverware, the Mamelodi Sundowns owner, Motsepe, also confirmed increased support for clubs struggling with the high costs of travel and logistics.

Teams eliminated in the preliminary stages will now receive $100,000 each—double the amount offered just a year ago. This financial safety net has led to a record-breaking 130 clubs from across the continent participating in CAF competitions this season.

Key dates for Games

CAF Confederation Cup final: two-legged affair between 09 May and 16 May 2026.

CAF Champions League final: two-legged showdown on 15 May and 24 May 2026.