In a striking contrast of financial support within African football, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) announced on Monday that prize money for the 2023 Caf Women’s Champions League will remain at last year’s level, while the men’s Super Cup has witnessed a staggering 130% increase.
The revelation came on the heels of USM Alger’s triumph in the Super Cup, where they defeated Egypt’s Al Ahly with a score of 1-0 in Saudi Arabia. This victory propelled USM Alger’s earnings to a remarkable $500,000 (£404,000), a significant leap from the previous $200,000 (£161,000) reward.
On the other side of the gender divide, the winners of the upcoming November Women’s Champions League will once again secure a prize of $400,000 (£323,000), unchanged from the previous year. In stark contrast, the champions of the men’s Champions League will walk away with a staggering $4 million (£3.23 million).
The disparity in prize money underscores a persistent issue in the world of sports: the gender pay gap. While strides have been made to promote and support women’s sports, such as the debut of five new teams in this year’s Caf Women’s Champions League, there is still much work to be done in achieving parity.
Speaking of new teams, the 2023 Caf Women’s Champions League promises to be an exciting event with five teams making their debut appearance in the competition. Ivory Coast will play host to this year’s tournament, which will feature a fresh lineup of contenders.
One of the newcomers, Huracanes from Equatorial Guinea, secured their spot by winning their regional qualifying tournament, overcoming strong opponents like DR Congo’s TP Mazembe and Congo-Brazzaville’s AS Epah-Ngamba. They join the ranks of Ivorian champions Athletico Abidjan, Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa, JKT Queens from Tanzania, and Moroccan side Sporting Club Casablanca as first-time participants.
Defending champions AS FAR of Morocco will be back to defend their title, along with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, who hope to avenge their defeat in last year’s final. Mali’s AS Mande, with previous Champions League experience, adds another layer of competition to the mix.
Caf has hailed the inclusion of these new teams as “a clear indication of the growth of the women’s game on the continent.” This expansion signifies the increasing popularity and development of women’s football in Africa, a trend that deserves recognition and support.
The 2023 Caf Women’s Champions League is set to take place between November 5th and 19th. Despite the gender prize money gap, the total prize money for the event remains unchanged at $1.1 million (£900,000), maintaining the same level as the 2022 edition, which was the first to offer financial rewards.
In conclusion, while the financial disparities between men’s and women’s football persist, the growth of women’s football in Africa is undeniable. The addition of new teams and the enthusiasm of fans promise an exciting tournament that will continue to raise the profile of women’s football on the continent. The question remains: when will the prize money truly reflect the achievements and potential of women in sports?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gender Pay Gap
Q: Why has the prize money for the Caf Women’s Champions League remained the same?
A: The prize money for the Caf Women’s Champions League has stayed unchanged due to a lack of increase, highlighting the ongoing issue of gender pay disparity in sports.
Q: What is the prize money for the men’s Super Cup, and why did it increase?
A: The prize money for the men’s Super Cup saw a significant increase, rising to $500,000, mainly because of the growing commercial and financial support for men’s football in contrast to the women’s game.
Q: How many new teams are participating in the 2023 Caf Women’s Champions League?
A: Five new teams will debut in the 2023 Caf Women’s Champions League, showcasing the growth and popularity of women’s football in Africa.
Q: Which countries are hosting and participating in the 2023 Caf Women’s Champions League?
A: Ivory Coast is hosting the 2023 Caf Women’s Champions League, featuring teams from various African nations, including Ghana, Morocco, Equatorial Guinea, Tanzania, and more.
Q: What does Caf’s statement about new teams indicate about women’s football?
A: Caf’s statement signifies the increasing recognition and development of women’s football on the continent, as more teams are participating in the competition.
More about Gender Pay Gap
- Caf Women’s Champions League 2023
- Men’s Super Cup Prize Money Increase
- Growth of Women’s Football in Africa
- Caf Official Website
5 comments
hope women’s footbal keeps growin, deserve more recogntion!
men’s vs women’s prize – HUGE gap, somethin gotta change!
why they no giv more $$$ to women champs? dey work hard too!
gendr pay gap in sport ain’t fair, mens gettin big $$ while womens stuck with same prize, not cool!
interstin read, shows da struggl women face in sport.