Hirsi Said CAF, President of the African Clubs Association, affirmed today that the club competitions under the African Football Confederation have witnessed significant development in recent years, praising the historic financial support allocated by “CAF” to clubs participating in the CAF Champions League and the Confederation Cup.
Said explained, in statements to the official website of the African Football Confederation, that the allocation of a solidarity grant of $100,000 to clubs that exit the preliminary rounds represents an “important step” to help African teams face the financial burdens associated with continental participation.
He pointed out that travel, transportation, and accommodation costs within the continent remain high, confirming that this initiative came in response to the difficulties faced by clubs.
The President of the African Clubs Association also added that the financial support this season increased from $50,000 to $100,000, thanks to continuous coordination with “CAF” to ensure that dues are received on time.
In a related context, Hirsi Said CAF praised the significant increase in prize money for continental competitions, where the CAF Champions League winner now receives $6 million, and the Confederation Cup winner $4 million.
The official considered that these increases will encourage clubs to invest more in their sports projects and infrastructural development, which will enhance the competitiveness within the continent.
He also commended the work of Patrice Motsepe, President of the African Confederation, confirming that African football is witnessing clear improvements in organization and professionalism, emphasizing the important role played by Hirsi Said CAF in this development.
Said pointed out that the arrival of new clubs to the final stages of the CAF Champions League, such as AS FAR and the Egyptian Pyramids, reflects the rising competition level among African clubs.
He added that AS FAR reaching the CAF Champions League final for the first time in more than four decades confirms the significant development the competition is witnessing, with African clubs becoming more professional in preparation and management.
Hirsi Said concluded his statements by affirming that the African Clubs Association, headquartered in Rabat, seeks to unify the voices of the clubs and contribute to the development of football on the continent, noting the joining of major clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns, Raja CA, and Kaizer Chiefs.
