The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to growing the game across the continent after announcing a significant increase in annual subventions for its 54 member associations and six zonal unions.
Following a strategic conference held in Cape Verde earlier this month, CAF president Patrice Motsepe confirmed a 33% increase in annual grants to member associations, alongside a 20% boost for zonal unions.
Under the new funding structure, each member association – including the South African Football Association (Safa) – will now receive $700,000 (roughly R11.5 million) annually, up from the previous financial year's $525,000 (roughly R8.6 million).
In addition, zonal bodies such as the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) will see their yearly funding rise from $750,000 (roughly R12.4 million) to $900,000 (roughly R15 million).
"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 stated.
Since Motsepe assumed office in 2021, CAF’s annual subventions to member associations have surged by 250%. Initial grants of $200,000 were doubled to $400,000, later raised to $525,000, and now stand at $700,000.
CAF emphasised that the increased funding is designed to help member associations strengthen football development structures, invest in youth and women’s football, improve administration and governance, and build sustainable programs for players, coaches, referees, and other stakeholders.
Financially backing administrative and club structures as well, CAF also announced a 25% increase in funding for the African Clubs Association (ACA), raising its subvention from $400,000 (roughly R6.6 million) to $500,000 (roughly R8.2 million).