CAF Doubles WAFCON Prize Money Ahead of Historic Tournament

(CAF. Photo by Nigeria Stories)

A news journalist claims that CAF upped the WAFCON prize purse from $1 million to $2 million.

The revelation, which was made during CAF’s worldwide press conference in Johannesburg on Wednesday, signifies yet another significant increase in the prize money available to women’s tournament winners.

The award has increased gradually under CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, from $200,000 at the beginning of his term to $1 million for the 2024 edition and currently to $2 million.

Motsepe framed the jump as proof that CAF backs its promises with real investment rather than mere words, stressing that meaningful change has to be felt and seen, not just talked about.

He noted that the figure has grown tenfold during his time in charge, from the original $200,000 to the current $2 million.

The financial boost comes at a time when CAF has faced scrutiny over how it has managed its women’s competitions, after twice postponing WAFCON including this year’s edition, which was pushed back from March to July.

Motsepe admitted there was room for improvement but stood firm on the choice to keep Morocco as host despite the disruption.

He explained that progress comes from acknowledging shortcomings and adjusting course, rather than pretending everything is fine.

According to him, CAF fielded interest from other nations willing to host once it became clear Morocco couldn’t stage the tournament in March, but he felt it would have been unfair and unprincipled to strip the host rights away.

While conceding that CAF could have handled things better, he maintained that postponing was the right call.

Motsepe added that the delay actually worked in the tournament’s favour, giving CAF the room to boost the prize money and put more spotlight on the competition something that wouldn’t have been possible had it gone ahead as originally scheduled in February.

He underlined that women’s football deserves genuine commitment, not just token gestures.

This year’s edition will be historic as the first WAFCON to feature 16 teams, up from the previous 12.

Morocco will host the tournament from 26 July to 16 August, with the competition doubling as the African qualifying route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil the top four finishers will secure direct qualification.