The South African Football Association has broken its silence on the delayed Bafana Bafana World Cup bonuses, blaming outstanding tax requirements in the United States and Mexico for the hold-up.
The bonus saga surrounding Bafana Bafana has taken another turn after SAFA issued an explanation for why players and members of the support staff are still waiting for outstanding performance bonuses from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to the football association, the delay is linked to international tax compliance requirements arising from South Africa’s matches in the USA and Mexico during the tournament.
SAFA points to US and Mexican tax requirements
SAFA says it sought specialist advice in both countries after receiving guidance from FIFA.
The association has already taken steps towards resolving the American side of the matter, including obtaining an Employer Identification Number from the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
SAFA says its American tax advisers are now completing the relevant calculations and documentation, while the process involving Mexican tax obligations is also being finalised.
The IRS has separately confirmed that tax authorities in the USA, Canada and Mexico reached an agreement on how certain 2026 FIFA World Cup prize money and other compensation would be allocated under their respective domestic tax laws.
SAFA says other payments have been settled
SAFA has stressed that the outstanding amounts specifically relate to bonuses.
The association says a portion of South Africa’s World Cup prize money has already been received and that players and support staff have received their allowances, fees and other amounts that were due to them.
The remaining bonuses, according to SAFA, will only be processed once the outstanding tax requirements have been completed.
However, the association has not provided a specific date for when players can expect the money to reach them.
R65 million bonus figure reported
The delay has attracted significant attention, with reports suggesting that the players’ combined bonus allocation could be worth approximately R65 million.
That figure has not been confirmed by SAFA in its latest statement, which did not reveal how much money remains outstanding.
Reports have also indicated that Bafana’s potential bonuses increased as the team progressed further into the World Cup knockout stages.
As a result, the final amount owed could be significant, although the precise figure remains unclear.
SAFA pushes back against media coverage
The association also criticised aspects of the media coverage surrounding the unpaid bonuses.
SAFA complained about receiving some enquiries at the last minute and being given what it described as unrealistic deadlines to respond.
The organisation argued that financial and international tax matters can be complicated and require sufficient time for consultation before an official response can be provided.
SAFA further warned that publishing allegations or incomplete information without allowing enough time for a response could create misleading or damaging narratives.
When will Bafana players receive their bonuses?
For now, there is no confirmed payment date.
SAFA maintains that it is working to complete the outstanding tax processes in the USA and Mexico as quickly as possible.
Once those requirements have been finalised, the association says the legitimate outstanding bonuses will be processed.
The development leaves Bafana Bafana players and support staff waiting for clarity on when the money will finally be paid — and potentially how much they will receive.
