CAF hikes funding

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has increased annual subventions to member associations from $525 000 (about K914 million) to $700 000 (about K1.2 billion).

The increment represents 33 percent.

Announcing the increase in South Africa on Wednesday, CAF president Patrice Motsepe said the move was part of efforts to strengthen football development and make the game across Africa self-sustaining.

The latest adjustment represents a 250 percent increase from the $200 000 (about K364 million) that each member association received annually in 2021.

In recent years, CAF has progressively increased the allocations from $200 000 (about K364 million)in 2021 to $400 000 (about K693 million) before raising to $525 000 (about K919 million) and now $700 000 (about K1.2 billion).

The Scorchers players

celebrate their recent

victory. | Courtesy of FAM

In a statement, CAF said the additional funding was intended to help member associations strengthen football development structures, invest in youth and women’s football, improve administration and governance and establish sustainable programmes.

The statement said the investment would also create opportunities for players, coaches, referees and other football stakeholders.

The continental football governing body has also increased annual funding for its zonal unions by 20 percent, from $750 000 (about K1.2 billion) to $900 000 (about K1.5 billion).

Meanwhile, the African Clubs Association will receive $500 000 (about K866 million) in annual subvention, up from $400 000 (about K693 million).

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) communications officer Collins Nsunza in an interview said the subvention will help the association implement its various programmes.

He said: “As you can already see our national teams at different levels are now participating in major competitions, which is part of our commitment to developing the game across all levels. This support will enable FAM to expand its development programmes and create more opportunities across the country.

“We sincerely thank CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe and the entire CAF Executive Committee for this important gesture and continued support towards the development of African football.”

However, football analyst Twaha Chimuka called for FAM to use the funding for the intended purpose.

He said: “Both Fifa and FAM have over the years increased subvention to member associations. But sometimes you wonder whether these funds are helping develop the sport.

“There is need to ensure that the funds are being used for their intended purpose. Grassroots football, youth football and women’s football programmes should be priotised, instead of using the funds on administration.”

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