CAF President Patrice Motsepe has admitted that the federation were offered more money, as he announced a new deal reported to be worth around R7 billion.
The South African businessman has shed light on the organisation's latest sponsorship agreement with French petroleum giants TotalEnergies, confirming that while other companies put forward bigger financial offers, their long-standing relationship played a pivotal role in the decision.
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According to SABC Sport, the new deal is estimated to be worth around $375 million (around R7 billion) and will run for the next four years, covering 12 CAF competitions.
This includes the men's, women's, and junior Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, as well as the flagship club tournaments and the African Schools Football Championship.
Motsepe, speaking in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where the agreement was formalised alongside TotalEnergies Chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanne, explained why CAF opted to extend their partnership with the company despite receiving higher financial proposals elsewhere.
"It's not just about the money, it's what TotalEnergies represents. It's what you represent, Patrick – he's correct in saying we were offered more money, but it's what we stand for," Motsepe stated, according to SABC Sport
It's about what the partnership means for many more years to come, and TotalEnergies is an important company for Africa, that's why we decided to go with you because it's not just about me.
"When I'm gone, and I'm not [CAF] president anymore, I'd like to see those who come after me continue working with TotalEnergies and what they stand for."
The partnership, which initially began in 2016 with an eight-year deal worth a reported $250 million (R3.6 billion at the time), has now been extended until 2028.
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This new agreement will see sponsor 12 major CAF events, including the Women's AFCON 2024, AFCON 2025, and the next edition of the tournament set to take place Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda 2027.