CAF Announces Major Funding Increase for SAFA and Other African Football Associations

• SAFA and 53 other national football associations are set to benefit from a revised CAF funding structure
• The announcement marks another increase in financial support, following several adjustments made since 2021
• Regional football bodies and the African Clubs Association are also included in CAF's latest funding changes

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced a major funding increase for 54 national football bodies, including the South African Football Association (SAFA). President Patrice Motsepe confirmed the changes on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, as the continental governing body expands its financial support for football development.

The revised structure increases annual allocations to national associations and provides additional funding for regional football organisations and the African Clubs Association (ACA).

SAFA and 53 other associations to receive increased CAF funding

Under the new structure, each of CAF's 54 member associations will be eligible to receive up to US$700,000 (approximately R11.65 million) annually.

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This represents a 33% increase from the previous allocation of up to US$525,000 (approximately R8.74 million).

The funding has grown considerably since 2021, when each association received US$200,000 (approximately R3.33 million) annually. CAF subsequently increased the allocation to US$400,000 (approximately R6.66 million), followed by US$525,000 (approximately R8.74 million).

The latest figure represents a 250% increase compared with the 2021 allocation.

According to CAF's official announcement, the additional resources are intended to strengthen football structures and help associations become more financially sustainable.

CAF increases funding for zonal unions and African clubs

The new allocations extend beyond national associations, with regional bodies and African clubs also set to receive additional financial support.

CAF's zonal unions will receive US$900,000 (approximately R14.98 million) annually, up from US$750,000 (approximately R12.48 million). This is a 20% increase.

The African Clubs Association will also see its annual allocation rise from US$400,000 (approximately R6.66 million) to US$500,000 (approximately R8.32 million).

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The changes form part of CAF's broader investment in football across the continent, including support for competitions, administration and development programmes.

How the additional CAF funding could support football development

CAF says the increased funding is intended to help national associations strengthen their administration, improve governance and invest in youth and women's football. The support is also meant to create more opportunities for players, coaches and referees while helping associations establish sustainable football programmes.

For SAFA, the revised allocation provides an opportunity to support domestic football structures and development initiatives. However, CAF has not announced a separate spending plan for South Africa or specified how SAFA will use its allocation.

The announcement therefore increases the funding available to member associations, but the practical impact will depend on how the resources are managed and deployed.

CAF's funding boost follows ambitious World Cup plans

Briefly News previously reported that CAF president Patrice Motsepe had outlined an ambitious roadmap to build on Africa's record performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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On Wednesday, 22 July 2026, Motsepe praised the continent's 10 representatives, noting that nine progressed to the Round of 32 for the first time in the tournament's history. He also highlighted plans to invest in coaching, grassroots football and stadium infrastructure.

Source: Briefly News