CAF has announced a major financial incentive ahead of the 2025/26 Champions League and Confederation Cup season, confirming that all participating clubs will receive a support grant of $100,000. This marks a significant increase from the $50,000 offered last season, and further reflects the reforms being implemented under the leadership of CAF President Patrice Motsepe.

In previous years, clubs received no financial assistance unless they progressed to the group stages, a system that placed enormous strain on many teams, especially those from nations with modest football budgets. That changed last season when, for the first time, all clubs received a token of support regardless of how far they advanced. The decision was welcomed across the continent, and the latest increase in the grant shows CAF’s commitment to strengthening club football from the earliest stages of the competition.

Kenya will be represented by Police FC, the FKF Premier League champions, in the CAF Champions League, while Nairobi United, winners of the Mozzart Bet Cup, will feature in the CAF Confederation Cup. Both clubs are expected to benefit significantly from the grant as they prepare for the challenges of continental competition, from travel and player registration to infrastructure and logistics.

CAF has set July 31 as the deadline for all Member Associations to submit their clubs for the upcoming season. As anticipation builds, the increased financial support is being seen as a positive step toward levelling the playing field, giving more clubs across the continent a fair shot at competing and progressing.

For Nairobi United and Police FC, the timing couldn’t be better. With the demands of CAF competitions growing by the year, the support package will offer vital relief and perhaps, a chance to dream bigger.