The Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, has revealed the rationale behind the significant increase in prize money for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), raising the total prize pool to $10.4 million.

The 8th edition of the tournament, scheduled to run from August 2 to 30, 2025, will feature 19 teams, including defending champions Senegal, record holders Morocco and DR Congo, alongside Nigeria, Algeria, Guinea, and Zambia, across three host nations: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

CAF confirmed a 75 percent increase in total prize money compared to the last edition, with the eventual champions set to earn $3.5 million, up from the previous $2 million.

The runner-up will receive $1.2 million, while the third- and fourth-placed teams will take home $700,000 and $600,000, respectively.

Each of the four losing quarter-finalists will earn $450,000. Teams finishing third or fourth in their group will pocket either $300,000 or $200,000, depending on group size, while bottom-placed sides in five-team groups will receive $200,000 each.

CAF President Motsepe said the prize money increase aligns with the organisation’s strategic efforts to promote and develop football across the continent.

“This increase in prize money will support the development of locally based players and help strengthen the global competitiveness of African football,” Motsepe said in a statement.

He emphasised that the CHAN tournament, which exclusively features players active in their domestic leagues, is critical for grassroots talent development and improving the profile of African football worldwide.

“The tournament is a key part of our strategy to make African football more appealing to fans, sponsors, and global broadcasters,” he added.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team will return to the tournament after missing the last edition.

Fans across Africa and beyond can look forward to a month-long festival of African football.

Prize Breakdown

Champions: $3.5 million

Runners-Up: $1.2 million

Third Place: $700,000

Fourth Place: $600,000

Quarter-Finalists: $450,000 each

Third in Group: $300,000

Fourth in Group: $300,000

Bottom: $200,000

(BusinessDay)