Morocco central to CAF’s financial comeback – Motsepe

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has credited Morocco with playing a pivotal role in reversing the financial fortunes of African football’s governing body, revealing that the confederation has moved from a deep deficit into a healthy surplus.

“CAF had a deficit estimated at $100 million, but now it has a surplus thanks to Morocco,” he said.

The remarkable turnaround marks one of the most significant financial recoveries in CAF’s modern era and highlights Morocco’s increasing influence both on the pitch and in the administrative landscape of African football.

When Motsepe assumed office in 2021, the Confederation of African Football was grappling with a severe financial crisis, with losses estimated between $100 million and $140 million.

Stabilising the organisation’s finances quickly became a top priority for the new leadership, and recent figures indicate that those efforts are beginning to yield tangible results.

At CAF’s General Assembly in October 2025, the organisation confirmed a return to profitability for the first time in eight years. The confederation reported a net profit of $9.48 million for the 2023/2024 period, with projections indicating a surplus of $28.46 million for 2025/2026.

Central to this recovery is the success of major tournaments staged in Morocco, particularly the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which is expected to generate a net profit of $113.8 million for CAF.

Morocco’s contribution to this resurgence is closely tied to its growing reputation as one of the continent’s most dependable hosts for major sporting events. Significant investments in stadiums, transport systems, and overall sports infrastructure have positioned the country as a preferred venue for continental competitions.

Motsepe has consistently acknowledged Morocco’s readiness to host a wide range of tournaments, including those that traditionally attract less commercial attention, such as women’s football and futsal. This commitment has enabled CAF to maintain a stable and consistent competition calendar while strengthening its commercial appeal.

Beyond the headline financial gains, Morocco’s hosting model has also enhanced CAF’s ability to generate revenue through ticket sales, sponsorship agreements, media rights, and strategic partnerships.

The 2025 AFCON alone reportedly attracted 23 commercial partners, underlining the growing commercial value of African football under its current trajectory.