By Kei Emmanuel Duku
South Sudan’s representatives in the ongoing CAF Confederations Cup and Champions League, Jamus FC and Al-Merriekh FC of Bentiu respectively are set to receive a significant financial boost.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that each club will receive $50,000 for their participation in the preliminary stages of the competitions.
Jamus FC, currently in Tunisia for their return leg against Stade Tunisen FC, will be aiming to secure a place in the next round.
Al-Merriekh FC, on the other hand, will be looking to defend their slender lead against Gor Mahia FC of Kenya.
The financial assistance from CAF is a significant step towards increasing competition and raising the overall standard of African football.
This is the first time the continental body has offered such support to clubs at the preliminary stages of both competitions.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has been instrumental in implementing this new financial structure.
His commitment to monetizing African football has led to increased support for clubs participating at all levels.
The allocation of more funds for teams in the preliminary stages addresses concerns raised by the CAF Executive Committee regarding the challenges faced by clubs in meeting travel, accommodation, and logistical costs.
With the new payment structure, even clubs eliminated from the first round will receive $50,000 each. This is a significant improvement over previous years.
CAF has also increased the prize money for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup. The winners of the Champions League will now receive $4,000,000, while the winners of the Confederation Cup will be rewarded with $2,000,000.
Prize Money Structure for TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup and Champion League 2024/25.
Preliminary Round (Both Competitions): USD 50,000 per club
TOTALENERGIES CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Position | Prize Money
- Winner | USD 4,000,000
- Runner-up | USD 2,000,000
- Semi-Finalists | USD 1,200,000
- Quarterfinalists | USD 900,000
- 3rd of Group | USD 700,000
- 4th of Group | USD 700,000
TOTALENERGIES CAF CONFEDERATION CUP
Position | Prize Money
- Winner | USD 2,000,000
- Runner-up | USD 1,000,000
- Semi-finalists | USD 750,000
- Quarterfinalists | USD 550,000
- 3rd of Group | USD 400,000
- 4th of Group | USD 400,000