The Confederation of African Football has increased the prize money for its flagship competition, the Africa Cup of Nations.
The continental body announced on Friday that the changes will take effect from the 2021 edition of the tournament, which begins in Cameroon on Sunday.
“CAF Executive Committee has resolved to increase the prize money of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cameroon 2021,” the organisation wrote on its official website.
“The decision was taken at today’s Executive Committee meeting chaired by President, Dr Patrice Motsepe in Douala, Cameroon.
“The increase is in line with CAF’s commitment to reward merit performance and enhance the status of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, and will be in effect in the upcoming edition that will kick-off at Olembe Stadium, Yaoundé on 09 January 2022.”
The new prizes will see the champions earning $5 million, an increase of $500,000 from the previous reward.
Runners-up will be presented with $2.75m, which is $250,000 more than the former prize, while semi-finalists will get $2.2m (an increase of $200,000).
Any team reaching the quarter-finals will earn $1.175m, up from $1m.
The total increase in the prize money is $1.85m, according to CAF.
The rearranged 2021 AFCON will be held in Cameroon from 11 January to 6 February, with 24 national teams in attendance.
