Gor Mahia were among the teams that missed out on nearly Ksh100 million after failing to qualify for the CAF Champions League group stage, following the draw held on Monday.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducted the group stage draw for both the Champions League and the Confederation Cup, but no Kenyan team featured in either competition.
Gor Mahia were eliminated in the preliminary round by Egyptian giants and defending champions Al Ahly, after suffering a heavy 6-0 aggregate defeat last month.
Meanwhile, Kenya Police FC, representing the country in the Confederation Cup, were knocked out by another Egyptian heavyweight, Zamalek, after a 3-1 aggregate loss. As a result, both Kenyan teams missed out on the significant financial rewards that come with reaching the group stages of these prestigious continental tournaments.
Teams that qualify for the group stage in the CAF Champions League are guaranteed a minimum of $700,000 (approximately Ksh90 million), while those in the Confederation Cup earn $400,000 (about Ksh51 million).
Had Gor Mahia managed to progress past Al Ahly, they would have secured at least Ksh90 million. Similarly, Kenya Police would have earned at least Ksh51 million if they had overcome Zamalek.
The financial rewards increase as teams advance in the competition. Champions League quarter-finalists receive $900,000 (Ksh116 million), semi-finalists get $1.2 million (Ksh155 million), runners-up take home $2 million (Ksh258 million), and the eventual winners are awarded a grand prize of $4 million (Ksh516 million).
In the Confederation Cup, quarter-finalists earn $550,000 (Ksh71 million), semi-finalists take home $750,000 (Ksh97 million), runners-up get $1 million (Ksh129 million), and the winners pocket $2 million (Ksh258 million).
Despite their early exits, both Gor Mahia and Kenya Police were awarded $50,000 (approximately Ksh6.5 million) each after CAF introduced prize money for teams eliminated in the preliminary round to assist with their preparation costs.
