The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a return to profitability for the first time in several years, marking a major financial turnaround under President Dr Patrice Motsepe’s leadership.
At its 47th Ordinary General Assembly held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, CAF reported a net profit of USD 9.48 million for the 2023-24 financial year, reversing years of deficit and signalling a new era of commercial growth and stability.
The governing body credited the financial rebound to an increase in sponsorship revenue, the addition of new partners, and tighter financial controls introduced under Motsepe’s strategic reform plan launched in 2021.
“CAF is now financially stable and globally competitive,” President Motsepe said.
“We’ve made progress in restoring confidence and ensuring that football revenues benefit clubs, players and member associations across the continent.”
Commercial revival and investment boost
CAF’s total revenues rose to USD 166.42 million, driven by its expanding commercial portfolio. The organisation’s number of sponsors and partners increased to 16 in 2024-25, underscoring the growing global interest in African football.
Expenditure has been realigned to prioritise football development, with USD 81 million allocated to prize money, USD 35 million to football development, USD 19 million to competition organisation and USD 21 million to governance and administration.
CAF says the renewed financial health has allowed it to increase investment in competitions, prize monies and support to zonal unions and member associations – a move designed to strengthen football from the grassroots to elite level.
Prize money surge across major tournaments
The financial revival has directly benefited clubs and national teams. Prize money for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League has risen by 60%, with winners now earning USD 4 million, while total competition payouts have climbed 41% to USD 17.6 million.
Teams qualifying for the CAF Interclub Preliminary Rounds will, from 2025-26, each receive USD 100,000 in support funding.
Other increases include:
CAF Women’s Champions League prize for winners up 52% to USD 600,000
TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 winners’ prize up 75% to USD 3.5 million
CAF Super Cup winners’ prize up 150% to USD 500,000
WAFCON 2024 champions Nigeria earned USD 1 million, double the previous edition
AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 winners’ prize rose 40% to USD 7 million, with total prize money reaching USD 32 million
From deficit to sustainable growth
Four years ago, CAF was struggling with deep financial losses, multiple legal disputes and credibility challenges.
Under Motsepe’s presidency, the body introduced sweeping reforms aimed at achieving financial independence and restoring integrity to its governance structures.
The results are evident: CAF has moved from deficit to surplus, enhanced its global reputation, and laid the groundwork for long-term sustainability.
Observers say the turnaround also reflects the wider commercial growth of African football, with increasing global broadcast audiences and stronger brand engagement across major competitions.
