Safa break silence on missing Bafana Bafana World Cup bonuses
· The South African
According to Safa, the delay that has affected Bafana Bafana is linked to outstanding international tax compliance requirements in the United States and Mexico.
The association says the issue is connected to the fact that South Africa played matches in both countries during the tournament.
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SAFA EXPLAINS BAFANA BAFANA BONUS DELAY
Safa says it appointed specialist legal and tax advisers in both countries, following guidance from FIFA. The association has also made progress on the American side.
Safa has obtained an Employer Identification Number from the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Its US specialists are now finalising the necessary tax calculations and documentation. The process of settling the applicable Mexican tax obligations is also being finalised.
The IRS has separately confirmed that tax authorities in the USA, Canada and Mexico reached a consensus on methods for allocating certain 2026 FIFA World Cup prize money and other compensation under their respective domestic laws.
Safa insists that the outstanding payments relate specifically to bonuses. “SAFA confirms that a portion of the FWC26 prize money has been received,” the association said.
“All allowances, fees and other amounts due to players and support staff have been settled.”
The association added that the outstanding bonuses “will be processed once the applicable tax requirements have been concluded.”
Safa also said it remains committed to finalising the process “as expeditiously as possible” and ensuring that all legitimate bonuses are paid.
BONUSES STILL OUTSTANDING
The latest explanation comes after growing attention around the unpaid bonuses.
Reports have put the players’ bonus allocation at around R65 million, although Safa‘s latest statement did not disclose the total amount still outstanding.
TimesLIVE reported that players were understood to have been promised bonuses that increased after Bafana Bafana progressed to the knockout stage.
Safa has not provided a specific payment date. The association has, however, maintained that the bonuses will be paid once the outstanding tax requirements are completed.
Safa also hit back at the way some media organisations have handled the story. The association complained about “last minute” enquiries accompanied by what it described as “unrealistic deadlines”.
It argued that complex financial and tax matters require enough time for proper consultation before a response is provided.
Safa further said publishing allegations or incomplete information without giving organisations sufficient time to respond can be misleading and damaging.
For now, the focus remains on the tax process in the USA and Mexico. Once those requirements are concluded, Safa concluded the outstanding Bafana Bafana bonuses will be processed.