Ghana's representatives in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, FC Samartex and Nsoatreman FC, are set to receive $50,000 each as participation fees for the preliminary stages of their respective competitions.
This financial boost, announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is part of a new initiative aimed at supporting clubs during the early rounds of the tournament.
FC Samartex, the reigning Ghana Premier League champions, are competing in the CAF Champions League. They secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Victoria United in Cameroon during the first leg of their preliminary round.
Meanwhile, Nsoatreman FC, the winners of the FA Cup, are representing Ghana in the CAF Confederation Cup. They achieved a 2-0 win over Elect Sport in Accra in the first leg of their preliminary tie.
CAF's decision to provide this financial support aligns with President Dr. Patrice Motsepe's commitment to enhancing club competitions across Africa. The preliminary rounds, which began last Friday, mark the first time that CAF has extended financial assistance to clubs at this stage.
The prize money will significantly increase as clubs progress through the tournament, with the potential for Ghana's representatives to earn as much as $400,000 and $700,000 if they reach the group stages of their respective competitions.
The overall prize money structure for the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup has also seen substantial increases in recent years:
TotalEnergies CAF Champions League:
- Winner: USD 4,000,000
- Runner-up: USD 2,000,000
- Semi-Finalists: USD 1,200,000
- Quarterfinalists: USD 900,000
- 3rd in Group: USD 700,000
- 4th in Group: USD 700,000
TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup:
- Winner: USD 2,000,000
- Runner-up: USD 1,000,000
- Semi-Finalists: USD 750,000
- Quarterfinalists: USD 550,000
- 3rd in Group: USD 400,000
- 4th in Group: USD 400,000
This initiative by CAF is expected to encourage greater participation in continental competitions and improve the overall quality of African club football.
