December 7 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced a significant boost in prize money for the second year running for its growing regional club competitions.
The AFC Champions League winners will receive $4 million in 2018 – up from $3 million – while the runners up witll receive an extra $500,000. AFC Cup winners will see a rise, picking up $1.5 million, a hike of $500,000 from the $1 million prize money this season. Runners-up will get $750,000.
Dato’ Windsor John, the AFC general secretary, said: “There is increased prize money at every stage in the AFC Champions League, which is already one of the richest continental club competitions in world football.
“The AFC Cup also sees significant increases for the winners and the finalists next season as we fulfil our Vision and Mission to deliver world class competitions which provide the best platform for Asia’s leading players.”
The AFC Champions League is the second most valuable confederation club competition globally and growing, especially in terms of prize money, after UEFA’s club competions.
Next season the AFC is bringin in a travel subsidy in the early stages with an increase in prize money to $100,000 for teams qualifying for the round of 16, $150,000 in the quarter-finals and a rise of US$50,000 in the semi-finals taking the total to US$250,000 per team.
“One of our key decisions has been to invest in both our competitions, which are the lifeblood of every Confederation, and our Member Associations who provide the teams. We can already see the rewards with even higher standards and greater intensity in the competition,” said John.
“The AFC has always looked to reward success and we are also dedicated to growing our competitions. Now we believe that in 2018 the incentive to win our two main club competitions will be greater than ever.”
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