CAF President says investment in CHAN is investment in African football’s future

CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has shed light on the motivations behind the historic increase in prize money for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

In a landmark move, this year’s CHAN winners will walk away with a staggering $3.5 million — a 75% increase from previous editions. The runners-up will earn $1.2 million, while the third and fourth-placed teams will receive $700,000 and $600,000 respectively. Even teams that exit at the quarter-final stage won’t go home empty-handed, pocketing $450,000 each. Teams finishing third or fourth in their groups will also receive $300,000 or $200,000 based on format.

“This is an exciting time for African football,” Motsepe said. “We have significantly increased the winner’s prize to $3.5 million and the total tournament prize money to $10.4 million — a 32% rise. The CHAN is a vital platform for developing and showcasing talent playing in Africa’s domestic leagues.”

He stressed that the competition is central to CAF’s long-term vision:

> “This tournament is part of our broader strategy to grow African football’s global competitiveness and make our competitions more attractive to fans, sponsors, and stakeholders around the world.”

Adding to the occasion’s significance, this is the first CHAN to be co-hosted by three nations, with games played in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Kampala, and Nairobi from August 2 to 30.

The tournament also welcomes debutants Central African Republic, joining a competitive Group B alongside hosts Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, and Burkina Faso.

Meanwhile, defending champions Senegal begin their title defence in Group D — a tough pool that includes Congo, Sudan, and Nigeria.

With increased stakes and record prize money on the line, the 2024 CHAN is shaping up to be a landmark edition in African football history.