CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe is leading a bold new era in African football, marked by increased financial support for clubs, a $1 billion investment in stadium infrastructure, and a strong push for unity, safety, and accountability across the continent.
Motsepe confirmed that financial incentives will be increased for participating clubs, building on the $50,000 grants given to teams in the preliminary rounds of this season’s CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
Speaking during the official signing ceremony of a new sponsorship deal with AGL, Dr. Motsepe emphasized CAF’s commitment to supporting African footballers and improving the quality of competition across the continent.
AGL continues in it’s role as official logistics supplier responsible for AFCON and WAFCON. Photo Credit: CAF
“There is money coming into African football, and we need to ensure our players are well compensated,” said Motsepe. “We gave $50,000 to clubs in the early rounds for the first time—and we’re planning to do even more.”
The increased funding is expected to help Nigerian clubs prepare more effectively for continental competition, improve player welfare, and invest in infrastructure.
$1 Billion Stadium Investment Plan for Africa
Beyond financial incentives for clubs, CAF is also rolling out an ambitious $1 billion project to build or upgrade stadiums across Africa, ensuring that every nation can host home matches that meet international standards.
Dr. Motsepe. Photo Credit: CAF
“We want every country in Africa to play football in front of their fans at home,” Motsepe stated. “That’s why I’ve committed $1 billion to building stadiums that meet FIFA and CAF standards. African football must be exciting and accessible.”
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Motsepe added that he will continue engaging with Heads of State across the continent to support this initiative, which aims to bring top-level football to more fans and improve national football infrastructure.
Alongside development, CAF is placing a strong emphasis on stadium safety and the fan experience. Motsepe stressed the importance of ensuring that football matches are held in secure, welcoming environments.
“We are here to help every club, but we must also send a strong message: stadiums must be safe places,” he said. “People come to enjoy the game, not face disturbances or danger. Recently, a supporter nearly fell and lost their life—that should never happen.”
Fan trouble during Sundowns vs Esperance CAF Champions league quarter final in Pretoria. Photo Credit: X
CAF is expected to work closely with local federations to improve crowd control, facility standards, and emergency protocols.
African Football as a Source of Continental Unity
Dr. Motsepe also spoke about the power of football to unite Africa, encouraging fans to take pride in each other’s achievements regardless of national borders.
“When Morocco wins, we are all proud. When Nigeria won Olympic gold, it was a proud moment for the continent. When Zambia won the AFCON, it was a victory for all of Africa,” he said.
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This sentiment underscores CAF’s goal of building not only competitive leagues and clubs but a shared identity through football across the continent.
On the subject of discipline, Motsepe acknowledged ongoing challenges and called for tougher enforcement of CAF rules.
“I respect our Judicial, Appeals, and Disciplinary Boards, but sometimes I feel the penalties aren’t strict enough,” he said. “There have been issues including in South Africa and I won’t mention any specific club, but we need to be firm.”
CAF’s stance signals a push for higher standards of professionalism and integrity in African football as the sport continues to grow in global visibility.
