FAM to get K468m for Afcon qualification
The Flames qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) means Football Association of Malawi (FAM) will pocket not less than $600 000 (about K468 million) from the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF).
Starting from the 2019 edition, CAF pays each of the 24 teams that reach the Afcon finals $260 000 (about K202 million) for preparations and another $475 000 (about K370 million) at the end of the tournament.
CAF also announced in 2019 that $14.2 million (about K10 billion) would be shared among the eight teams that reach the knockout stage.
Teams knocked out in the quarter-finals will share $800 000 (about K624 million).
Losing semi-finalists will share $4 million (K3.1 billion), each side getting $2 million (K1.5 billion).
The champions will receive $4.5 million (K3.5 billion) while the runners-upb will pocket $2.5 million (K1.9 billion).
FAM general secretary (GS) Alfred Gunda confirmed that participating teams will get the package, but said the association is waiting for official communication from CAF.
He said: “It’s indeed a pledge made by CAF as organisers of the tournament. But it can be revised.”
The GS, however, said FAM is working on its own budget which is at over K1.2 billion for the 2021 Afcon final and the CAF package would complement it.
“Whatever comes from CAF will offset the budget,” he said.
But football marketing consultant Felix Ngamanya Sapao said for the 2021 Afcon finals, the amount is set to increase.
He said: “Newly-elected CAF president Patrice Motsepe has spoken of raising the money, but they need to get more sponsors on board.
“In 2019, CAF paid every participating nation $260 000 as preliminary preparation money.
“At the end of the tournament, each team got a base amount of $475 000 if they get knocked out in the group stage. This money is paid to teams that complete all their fixtures.”
Commenting on the monetary gains in Afcon qualification, soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda advised the Flames not to get satisfied with the appearance fee.
He said: “Let’s target to go beyond the group stage. The knockout stage is where the monies are.
“The appearance fee and preparations starter pack is just change.”
Malawi qualified after finishing second to Burkina Faso in Group B.
