The South African Football Association [SAFA] has explained why Bafana Bafana players and technical staff are yet to be paid their 2026 FIFA World Cup bonuses.
Reports emerged over the weekend alleging that players were planning to express their dissatisfaction before the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] qualifiers later this month. South Africa are scheduled to face Guinea at home and Eritrea away in the qualifiers before taking on Egypt in an international friendly match in Cairo.
The matches will mark head coach Pitso Mosimane‘s first official assignment since his reappointment last week.
SAFA received a total of R259 million from FIFA following the team’s tournament campaign—R218 million for participating in the group stages and Last 32, along with a R41 million preparation fee.
However, concerns were raised after players and support staff did not receive their owed bonuses six weeks after the association received funds from the world football governing body.
EXPLANATION GIVEN ON WHY PLAYERS AND STAFF HAVE NOT BEEN PAID BONUSES
SAFA has since issued clarity, confirming that while players have been paid their allowance fees, the association is still sorting out international tax compliance requirements in the United States of America and Mexico.
“As matches were played in both countries, SAFA is required to comply with the applicable federal and state tax laws in the USA, as well as Mexican tax legislation,” reads the SAFA statement issued on Monday.
“Given the complexity of these requirements, SAFA, in line with FIFA’s guidance, appointed specialist legal and tax advisers in both jurisdictions. Significant progress has been made, including SAFA obtaining a US Internal Revenue Service [IRS] Employer Identification Number.
“The USA specialists are finalising the required tax calculations and documentation, while the process for settling the applicable Mexican tax obligations is also being finalised.”
SAFA SAYS BAFANA BAFANA PLAYERS HAVE BEEN PAID WORLD CUP ALLOWANCE FEES
The association reiterated that outstanding payments related to the World Cup will be processed once the tax compliance procedures are concluded.
“SAFA confirms that a portion of the FWC26 prize money has been received. All allowances, fees and other amounts due to players and support staff have been settled.
“The outstanding payments relate specifically to FWC26 bonuses which will be processed once the applicable tax requirements have been concluded. SAFA is committed to finalising the process as expeditiously as possible and ensuring that all legitimate bonuses are paid.”
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