By Ameenu Shardow
Berekum Chelsea have been rewarded with $475,000 for their participation in the CAF Champions League.
The Blues excelled in just their maiden campaign in Africa with their exceptional brand of football but fell short of making the last four of the competition.
Chelsea were unable to make it out of Group B which was eventually won by Egyptian giants Al Ahly with TP Mazembe picking the other qualification slot as runners up.
Chelsea came third a point shy of Mazembe with Zamalek coming last in the group with a paltry two points.
Per the financial share allotment, Chelsea will receive $475,000 for placing third in the group – the same as ASO Chief (in Group A) while second placed teams; Mazembe and Sunshine Stars take home $665,000.
The winner of the competition which will be contested by Al Ahly and Esperance will receive $1, 425, 000 as cash prize with the runner up picking a $950, 000 pay cheque.
Chelsea, who represented Ghana in this year’s competition after winning the 2010/11 Premier League title will however suffer a deduction of $ 5000 in CAF fines for unsporting behaviour.
The deduction will thus bring their take home total to $ 470, 000 with the Ghana FA also receiving a cash share of $ 25,000.