The Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has unveiled a series of significant decisions aimed at elevating the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and strengthening its position on the continental and global stage.
In a move designed to bolster national federations and incentivize higher levels of competition, Motsepe announced a substantial increase in the prize money awarded to the AFCON champion. The winning team will now receive $10 million, up from the previous $7 million.
Furthermore, a key structural change was revealed regarding the tournament’s frequency. AFCON will now be held every four years, replacing the previous system. This adjustment aims to provide greater stability to the competition and avoid conflicts with other major continental and international football events, particularly club competitions and European leagues.
Motsepe emphasized that these decisions are part of a comprehensive vision to develop African football, enhance the tournament’s appeal, and align it more closely with the global football calendar. CAF aims to create a more sustainable and competitive environment for African teams and players.
The changes are expected to be implemented starting with the next edition of the tournament. This announcement signals CAF’s commitment to investing in the future of African football and ensuring its continued growth and success on the world stage.
