Motsepe increases CAF annual funding to $700,000 for member associations

The increase is aimed at strengthening the financial stability of national associations and supporting sustainable football development across Africa.

According to an official statement released by CAF, the funding boost reflects the efforts of Motsepe and the Executive Committee to inject additional resources into national federations and improve their capacity to develop the game.

The additional funding is expected to help associations upgrade football infrastructure, invest in development programmes and improve their administrative and technical operations.

CAF has also announced an increase in financial support for its zonal unions, with annual allocations rising by 20%, from $750,000 to $900,000.

The additional resources are intended to strengthen regional competitions and support grassroots football initiatives, ensuring that development efforts extend beyond national associations.

The latest announcement continues a significant increase in CAF's financial commitments to its member federations since 2021.

Over the past five years, annual grants have risen from $200,000 to $400,000, before increasing to $525,000 and reaching the latest allocation of $700,000. This represents an overall increase of 250% from the initial amount.

CAF says the additional funding will support youth academy programmes, promote women's football and improve governance structures within national associations.

The governing body also highlighted the importance of establishing sustainable projects that create opportunities for players, coaches, referees and other football stakeholders across the continent.

Through the increased allocations, CAF aims to strengthen national federations and help them move towards greater financial independence.

The initiative forms part of the organisation's broader efforts to improve football development and raise standards across Africa by ensuring that member associations have more resources to invest in the game.

The impact of the funding will depend on how effectively individual federations allocate the money towards development priorities and long-term projects.