The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a significant increase in the prize money for the winners of the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
The continental football governing body revealed a 40% increment, raising the prize money from $5 million to $7 million.
Patrice Motsepe, CAF president, highlighted the progress made in enhancing the prize money for AFCON and other major competitions over the past two years. The statement emphasized that a portion of the increased prize money would contribute to developing football in member associations.
Motsepe stated, “CAF has made significant progress over the past two years in increasing the Prize Money of the AFCON and all its other major competitions. We have increased the Prize Money of the AFCON Winner to USD 7 000 000, which is a 40% increase from the previous AFCON Prize Money.”
He expressed confidence that the augmented prize money would benefit football stakeholders, assist member associations in their administrations, and contribute to the overall development of football.
The revised prize money structure includes $4 million for the runners-up, an increase from $2.7 million. Semi-finalists and quarter-finalists will receive $2.5 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
The 34th edition of the AFCON is scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria, placed in Group A alongside the hosts, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, will kick off their campaign against Equatorial Guinea on January 14.
