Patrice Motsepe: CAF President Announces Massive Increase in Africa Cup of Nations Prize Money

• Dr Patrice Motsepe has announced the massive increase in the prize money for the Africa Cup of Nations, starting from this edition
• The CAF president also made a major announcement about bringing changes to the club's continental football tournaments
• The increase in AFCON's prize money for the winners sparked different reactions from football fans on social media

The Confederation of African Football president, Dr Patrice Motsepe, has confirmed that the prize money for the next Africa Cup of Nations will be significantly increased ahead of the tournament in Morocco.

Africa’s number one international football competition will take place from Sunday, December 21, 2025, until Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Ivory Coast hosted the last competition and won it after beating the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the final, while South Africa finished as the second runner-up after beating the Democratic Republic of Congo in the third-place play-offs.

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For this year's competition, Bafana Bafana are tipped as one of the favourites to win the tournament, after their impressive run of matches under Hugo Broos and also securing a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup ahead of Nigeria.

Motsepe announces huge increase in AFCON

In the recent meeting ahead of the 2025 AFCON, Motsepe shared that this year's champions will now receive a substantial $10 million (R167 million) prize, an increase from the former $7 million (R117 million), which Ivory Coast was paid for winning the last edition.

Motsepe said the Africa Cup of Nations prize money has risen from less than $5 million to $7 million and now to $10 million for the winners, adding that CAF’s key objective going forward is to continue increasing the rewards for Africa’s most important competition.

Motsepe also confirmed that there would be significant prize-money increases for both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup tournaments, which have already been approved, although the figures will be announced at a later stage.

The three South African clubs involved in continental competition, Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League, Kaizer Chiefs, and Stellenbosch FC in the CAF Confederation Cup, stand to benefit if they try to win the competition.

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News of Motsepe's announcement regarding the increase in prize money for the Africa Cup of Nations sparked mixed reactions from football fans on social media.

Bongani Mgubela said:

"Good move. But we know Jordan will pocket all the money if Bafana Bafana win the Afcon."

Pduction Livhuwamini wrote:

"When we win it, does it go to SAFA or does it disappear to someone's unknown?"

Sicelo Mehlomuhle shared:

"Money, money in the future, locally born Africans will never play AFCON because Motsepe is not willing to introduce quotas for European-born Africans in national teams."

MOSES RAMAFALO reacted:

"Patrice Motsepe brought justice to African football after decades of Issa Haito 's impecunious.Karabo before Motsepe taking over, how much was AFCON prize money?"

Takura Chamuka commented:

"To be frank, Motsepe has brought a more collaborative and professional approach to CAF, which has significantly increased the attractiveness of CAF tournaments! He is a breath of fresh air to a body that had become renowned for corruption. A true champion for African football!!"

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Mfana-wa-Leboa implied:

"What was the other CAF president doing all these years for Motsepe to make so many changes and improvements in a short time?"

Tendai Hove added:

"Jokes aside, this man is working at @CAF_Media. African football has evolved since he took over."

CAF makes announcement on AFCON

Briefly News earlier reported that CAF made a huge announcement about changes in the African Cup of Nations.

Motsepe confirmed the new information during a media briefing held in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

Source: Briefly News