CAF raises funding for African football bodies in major grant increase

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has increased its annual funding for its 54 member associations by 33%, with each organisation now set to receive $700,000 (roughly R11.5 million).

The governing body has also raised its support for Africa’s six zonal unions by 20%, following the 2026 CAF Strategic Conference in Cape Verde earlier this month.

CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe confirmed the revised funding structure while addressing delegates at the conference.

The new allocation means member associations, including the South African Football Association (Safa), will receive $700,000 a year. That is up from $525,000 (roughly R8.6 million) in the previous financial year.

Funding for regional organisations will rise from $750,000 (roughly R12.4 million) to $900,000 (roughly R15 million). The increase will benefit bodies such as the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa).

CAF said the latest changes formed part of Motsepe’s stated aim of ensuring football organisations across the continent become more sustainable and develop to world-class standards.

“The announcement represents another significant increase in CAF’s financial support for its Member Associations under the leadership of CAF President Dr. Motsepe and the CAF Executive Committee, as part of his commitment to making football in each of Africa’s 54 Member Associations world-class and self-sustaining,” CAF said.

Since Motsepe became CAF president in 2021, annual grants to member associations have increased by 250%. The original allocation of $200,000 was first doubled to $400,000, then lifted to $525,000 before reaching the new figure of $700,000.

CAF said the additional money would support the development of football structures within member associations. It is intended to help fund youth and women’s football, improve administration and governance, and establish sustainable programmes for players, coaches, referees and other stakeholders.

The organisation also announced increased financial support for administrative and club structures through the African Clubs Association (ACA).

The ACA’s annual subvention will rise by 25%, from $400,000 (roughly R6.6 million) to $500,000 (roughly R8.2 million).

CAF said the wider funding package was designed to strengthen football’s foundations across the continent, while supporting the organisations responsible for running competitions, developing talent and overseeing the game at national and regional level.