Eight of Africa’s top women’s football clubs will each receive a minimum of $150,000 for participating in the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco, a tournament which has seen a 52% increase in its prize pool, now totaling $2.35 million.
The CAF Women’s Champions League, inaugurated in 2021 under the leadership of CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, was launched with the aim of elevating women’s football across Africa.
This year’s event marks a significant milestone with the prize money hike, reflecting CAF’s commitment to making African women’s football globally competitive.
The increased funds aim to support the participating clubs and encourage investment in youth football development across the continent.
The financial rewards for this year’s tournament provide strong incentives for performance, with a top prize of $600,000 awaiting the winning team.
The tournament prize structure is as follows:
– Winner: $600,000
– Runner-up: $400,000
– Third Place: $350,000
– Fourth Place: $300,000
–Third place in group stage : $200,000 (per team)
– Fourth place in group stage: $150,000 (per team)
This financial structure is designed to ensure that each participating club benefits substantially, regardless of their final standings.
The prize money can support team operations, training facilities, and talent development, areas often underfunded in African women’s football.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has been outspoken in his commitment to uplifting African football, particularly by strengthening women’s leagues and expanding resources for youth academies.
We want to make our tournaments globally attractive and competitive,” he stated, emphasizing that his vision includes increasing prize money across all CAF competitions to attract and retain talent within the continent.
The increased investment in the women’s game is part of a broader strategic approach that includes building youth academies for both girls and boys, ensuring future generations of African footballers have access to elite-level training and support.
Motsepe’s administration has also prioritized equal opportunity initiatives within African football, creating pathways for young female athletes to access structured development programs and international exposure.
This holistic approach aims to secure a long-term competitive edge for African clubs and national teams in the global football arena.
This year’s Champions League in Morocco is expected to draw attention as a groundbreaking competition for women’s football in Africa, showcasing the talents of elite teams and players.
Morocco’s status as host reflects its increasing role in supporting African football, particularly as it invests in infrastructure and facilities to host major tournaments.
The event is also expected to generate interest among African and international audiences, highlighting the rapid growth and potential of women’s football on the continent.
As the competition unfolds, CAF’s efforts in supporting women’s clubs financially and structurally underscore the organization’s dedication to gender equity in African sports.
By fostering a competitive environment with substantial financial rewards, CAF seeks to establish a stable foundation for the sport’s development, ensuring African women’s football can thrive in the years to come.
