In a landmark announcement that promises to reshape the financial landscape of African football, CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe has revealed that annual grants to member associations will increase dramatically from R2 million to R12 million. Speaking at the CAF Strategy Conference, Motsepe declared that the money is now flowing into African football, and that the continent will ultimately be judged on what it does with these resources.
The sixfold increase represents one of the most significant investments in the history of African football governance. For decades, many of CAF’s 54 member associations have operated on shoestring budgets, struggling to fund basic administrative functions, youth development programmes, and national team preparations. The new funding is expected to provide a transformative boost, enabling associations to professionalise their operations and invest in long-term development.
“The money is now flowing into African football,” Motsepe told delegates. “But money alone is not enough. The world will judge us not by how much we receive, but by what we do with it. We must ensure that every rand is used to develop the game, support our players, and build the infrastructure that African football needs to compete at the highest level.”
Motsepe emphasised that the increased grants come with expectations of accountability and good governance. Member associations will be required to meet transparency and compliance standards, and CAF will provide support to help them strengthen their financial management systems. The funding is part of a broader strategy to elevate African football, which has seen increased investment from CAF under Motsepe’s leadership, including the expansion of the Africa Cup of Nations and the growth of the CAF Champions League.
The announcement was met with widespread acclaim from member associations, many of which have long called for greater financial support. For football administrators across the continent, the increased grants represent not just a financial lifeline but a vote of confidence in their ability to grow the game. As Motsepe concluded, the challenge now is to turn opportunity into tangible progress—and to prove that African football is ready to take its place among the world’s elite.
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