CAF Unveils Record Prize Money and Kenya Gears Up for CHAN 2024 Draw

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CAF announces a record USD 3.5M prize for CHAN 2024, hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The draw takes place January 15 at KICC, Nairobi.

Introduction

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is set to make history with the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), promising an exhilarating tournament marked by a monumental increase in prize money and a strategic focus on developing African football talent. The championship, exclusively for players competing in their domestic leagues, will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1 to February 28, 2025.

Kenya to Host CHAN 2024 Draw

As the excitement builds, Kenya will host the official draw for the CHAN 2024 on January 15, 2025, at 8:00 PM local time. The event will take place at the iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, setting the stage for a thrilling tournament. This marks the third time the CHAN tournament will be held in the Council of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) Zone, following Sudan’s hosting in 2011 and Rwanda’s in 2016.

The competition will feature 18 teams, including the co-hosts Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, along with Sudan, Morocco, Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville, DR Congo, Niger, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Angola, Zambia, Madagascar, Guinea, Mauritania, and defending champions Senegal. Among these, DR Congo and Morocco stand out as two-time champions, with DR Congo clinching the inaugural title in 2009 and adding another in 2016, while Morocco made history with back-to-back victories in 2018 and 2020. Other notable winners include Tunisia, Libya, and Senegal, who claimed the title in the 2022 edition.

A Substantial Hike in Prize Money

In a landmark move, CAF has announced a significant increase in prize money for the 2024 CHAN tournament. The champions will walk away with a record-breaking USD 3.5 million (approximately Tsh. 8.68 billion), a remarkable 75% increase from the previous prize of USD 2 million (approximately Tsh. 4.96 billion). This surge in prize money underscores CAF’s commitment to enhancing the prestige of the tournament and rewarding the efforts of Africa’s homegrown talent.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe shared his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled about the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) hosted in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in 2024. We have significantly augmented the winner’s prize to USD 3.5 million, marking a 75% increase from previously.”

The total prize pool for the tournament has also increased significantly, reaching an impressive USD 10.4 million (approximately Tsh. 25.79 billion). This represents a 32% increase from the last CHAN edition, reinforcing CAF’s dedication to investing in African football.

Advancing African Football

Motsepe emphasized the critical role CHAN plays in nurturing Africa-based players and young talent: “This competition is crucial for the development of Africa-based players and young talents. It will enhance the global competitiveness of African football while giving a significant boost to CAF competitions.” He further highlighted that the tournament aligns with CAF’s broader strategy to make African football more attractive to fans, broadcasters, sponsors, and stakeholders.

The increase in prize money is part of a broader trend seen in recent CHAN tournaments. For instance, the 2020 champions, Cameroon, were awarded USD 1.25 million (around Tsh. 2.88 billion), showcasing a steady rise in financial stakes for participating teams.

Looking Ahead to CHAN 2024

The upcoming CHAN promises to be a showcase of passion and talent, bringing together some of Africa’s best footballers playing in domestic leagues. With the draw taking place in Nairobi, the tournament’s structure will soon be revealed, setting the stage for thrilling matches across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

As Africa’s premier platform for homegrown talent, CHAN 2024 is expected to deliver unforgettable football action, celebrating the continent’s rich football culture and inspiring future generations. CAF’s substantial investment in the tournament reflects a commitment to elevating the game and solidifying its place on the global stage. With increased financial rewards and a focus on fostering talent, the 2024 CHAN is set to be a landmark event in African football history.

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