The SA Football Association [SAFA] have issued a statement regarding the distribution of AFCON bonuses for Bafana Bafana players, clarifying the financial compensation situation.
This comes after recent reports suggesting uncertainty surrounding the Bafana Bafana squad’s AFCON bonuses for their impressive performance in the 2023 AFCON tournament.
South Africa earned around R46.9 million for finishing third at the recently concluded 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
SAFA president Danny Jordaan refused to give details when asked about the bonus payments when the national team returned from Abidjan on Wednesday morning. But in a statement issued on Friday, the association said the details of the bonus agreement remain confidential.
“The South African Football Association [SAFA] has noted with concern reports claiming that Bafana Bafana may not be paid their bonuses after finishing third at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire,” said SAFA.
BAFANA BAFANA AFCON BONUSES A CONFIDENTIAL MATTER
“We wish to confirm that a contract was signed between the Association and the senior players representing the team where the payments and bonuses were agreed upon.
“Depending on the team’s performance in the tournament, details of which remain confidential. This agreement was confirmed before the team departed for AFCON, and all the parties were happy.”
In addition, SAFA clarified the timeline and allocation of AFCON bonuses for the Bafana Bafana players. They confirm that all agreed-upon payments and bonuses will be disbursed once prize money from CAF is received.
They also indicated that any remaining funds will be directed towards the further development of football within the country.
“As previously stated, our junior national teams are not sponsored and rely heavily on the senior national teams for funding,” added SAFA. “To help with access to more preparation camps and competitive fixtures. The funds are not intended for members of the national executive committee of the Association or any SAFA staff.
“We, as SAFA, account to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the money that is awarded by the continental body. The SAFA CFO will be responsible for effecting payments to the players’ bank accounts on receipt of funds from CAF.
“The SAFA CEO, who is the Accounting officer of the Association, will ensure and confirm that payment is made to the players as agreed upon. Both the CEO and CFO will account to CAF on the use of the funds received.”
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