The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 marks a significant milestone in African football, not just in terms of the sporting spectacle but also regarding the financial rewards involved.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has taken a bold step to increase the prize money by 40%, a move that resonates with its vision to elevate the stature of the tournament and motivate teams to showcase their best performances.
Winner’s Reward
Receiving USD 7 million, the winning team of AFCON 2023 will experience a notable financial leap. This increase from previous editions underlines the enhanced prestige and recognition the tournament has garnered over the years.
Runner-up incentive
The team finishing second will also enjoy a substantial financial reward of USD 4 million. This significant sum is a testament to the importance CAF places on competitive excellence and sportsmanship.
Semi-finalists’ prize
Recognition extends to the semi-final stage, with each team earning USD 2.5 million. This prize acknowledges the teams’ journey and success in reaching the advanced stages of the tournament.
Quarter-finalists’ earnings
The financial incentives also reach teams that make it to the quarter-finals, with each receiving USD 1.3 million. This ensures that the journey to the latter stages of AFCON is financially rewarding and recognises the efforts of a broader range of teams.
CAF’s strategy for increasing prize money is multifaceted. It’s not just about rewarding the teams but also about investing in the future of African football.
A significant portion of the prize money is earmarked for developing football infrastructure in participating nations.
This initiative is aimed at improving training facilities, stadiums, and other necessary infrastructure to nurture talent and elevate the game’s standard.
