CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced the increase on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, during the confederation’s strategy conference in Cape Verde. The decision is aimed at strengthening football administration, improving development structures and supporting the long-term financial sustainability of the game across Africa.
The adjustment gives each member association access to an additional US$175,000 annually under the revised funding structure. <Cite refs={["turn415521view0","turn415521view1"]}/>
CAF increases funding for regional and club structures
The funding boost extends beyond national football federations, with CAF also increasing annual allocations to its regional bodies and the African Clubs Association (ACA).
Under the revised structure:
• CAF member associations: Up to US$700,000 annually, increased from US$525,000.
• CAF zonal unions: US$900,000 annually, up from US$750,000, representing a 20 per cent increase.
• African Clubs Association: US$500,000 annually, up from US$400,000.
The changes are part of CAF’s broader effort to provide more financial resources to the organisations responsible for managing and developing football across the continent. <Cite refs={["turn415521view1","turn415521view0"]}/>
CAF funding has increased by 250 per cent since 2021
The latest increase continues the expansion of CAF’s financial support since Motsepe became president in 2021.
At the beginning of his tenure, each member association received US$200,000 annually. That figure subsequently rose to US$400,000 before increasing to US$525,000 and now reaching US$700,000.
The new allocation represents a 250 per cent increase compared with the 2021 level, providing national federations with a larger funding base to support their football programmes. <Cite refs={["turn415521view1","turn415521view0"]}/>
Grassroots, youth and women’s football among priorities
CAF said the additional funding is intended to help member associations strengthen football development structures, invest in youth and women’s football, improve administration and governance, and create sustainable programmes.
The increased resources could help national federations expand grassroots competitions, develop youth academies, improve coaching education and referee development, and provide more opportunities for women and young players.
However, the impact will depend on how individual associations allocate and manage the additional funds. Transparency, accountability and effective financial management will remain important to ensuring that the money delivers tangible benefits to football communities.
Nigeria’s NFF set for additional funding
Nigeria is among the countries expected to benefit from the decision through the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Under the revised allocation, the NFF could receive up to US$700,000 annually, an increase of US$175,000 compared with the previous US$525,000 allocation.
The additional funding could provide further support for domestic football administration, youth development, women’s competitions and grassroots programmes, although the eventual impact will depend on the federation’s spending priorities and implementation.
Motsepe targets a stronger and more sustainable African game
The increased grants reflect CAF’s stated ambition to strengthen football institutions and improve the sport’s long-term financial sustainability across its 54 member associations.
For many national federations, funding is essential to organising competitions, developing players, training coaches and referees, and maintaining administrative structures.
CAF’s latest decision provides additional resources for those responsibilities. The challenge now will be to ensure that the increased allocations translate into better football development, stronger domestic competitions and more opportunities for players throughout Africa.